How To Develop Healthy Morning Routines

“Early to bed, early to rise.” This is almost never applicable to those who naturally live life on the fast lane. Imagine having to manage a busy work schedule, parenting, a spouse, and external engagements, and then slap on entrepreneurship. You’re left with almost no time to breathe. If you hear “morning routine” and an alarm goes off in your head, don’t fret. It’s possible to maintain a morning routine even with all the tasking affairs that plague your day.

The argument of a routine aside, we can all agree that there’s nothing crazier than waking up late with a long list of things to conquer all because your tired self kept hitting the snooze button. How we start our day plays a major role in how it eventually pans out. Yes, it’s not rocket science. So arise, shine (or glow), and be grateful for a new day.

Now back to developing that healthy morning routine. We are not trying to create another thing to add to your already overflowing to-do list but to create a paradigm shift that’s about self-love and appreciation above anything else. Think of this as a necessary “me time” where you get in touch with your body, soul, and mental health to prepare them for another day of hustling.

For starters, here’s a mini routine you can adopt on a daily basis:

• Develop a mantra of being thankful for the day the moment you wake up. The more thankful you are for who you are and what you have, the more reasons you’ll have to be thankful.
• Take a short walk and let the morning dew rest on your skin. Try longer walks on the weekend. This will allow you to clear your head and appreciate the beauty of nature and in turn, the beauty of just being alive.

Check out 8 effective morning routine ideas to get your day started right…

#1. Get a good night’s sleep

A good day starts with a good sleep. Therefore, ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Failure to be well-rested will only set you up to be cranky and exhausted all day, and that wouldn’t serve you well.

#2. Drink water

Hydration is important for your health and well-being. Create a routine of staying hydrated in the morning by drinking a full glass of water when you first wake up. It’s a good idea to do this before your morning cup of coffee or tea to avoid forgetting. A glass of lukewarm lemon water works wonders for basic internal cleansing. It’s really refreshing in the morning and aids bowel movement.

#3. Be disciplined with love

There’s that nettlesome D-word we cringe to hear again but discipline is not the same as being nasty to yourself. The key is to be consistent. It actually takes 21 days to create a habit, so persistently take baby steps daily toward your well-being. Habits should not be extreme or make you feel like a rebel when you err. Creating a healthy routine requires discipline but discipline is done in light of love for oneself. So commit to following this routine for 21 days straight and they will become a natural part of your morning routine.

#4. Meditate/pray

Mornings are the best times to set your day right and it begins with you getting in touch with yourself. This ties into our first routine point of being thankful.

There’s the saying “you can’t give what you don’t have.” It’s easier for that boss or co-worker to get under your skin when you have lost your inner balance and are barely hanging in there. This is why it’s important to spend a few minutes each morning meditating or praying in order to maintain your inner balance and also develop a positive aura around you. 

#5. Create a playlist

Music is not just for parties. But if you wouldn’t take our word for it, then ask the psychologists. Listening to music reduces chronic stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, making you feel more hopeful, powerful, and in control of your day. Also, music activates every known part of the brain. Listening to music can make you smarter, happier, healthier, and more productive during the day. A serene morning playlist, which you can play as you walk, shower, and get ready, is a great way to calm your nerves while refreshing your soul.

#6. Exercise

Exercise helps wake up your body and get you active, and it is also essential for your mental performance. The great news is that you only need to do 10 minutes to start making a difference. When starting out, keep things simple and fun.

Of course, walking falls under exercise but you can always do more, focusing on your “problem areas,” if any. Plus, you can consider jogging or skipping which you can do in the comfort of your home. If you’re not a morning person this could help boost your mood and release you from the morning monster jinx.

#7. Have a smart breakfast + a Ted talk

If you skip breakfast or just throw a few spoons in your mouth on the run, you should probably expect your system to be thrown out of whack as well. The byproduct is usually uncontrollable cravings, hunger, and low energy levels leaving you unmotivated.

It’s bad enough that you are stressed out due to traffic or your job, skipping breakfast would only make matters worse. It’s advisable to have a food timetable as it’ll save the stress of being confused about what to eat. Eat a well-balanced, healthy breakfast while listening to a Ted talk for motivation.

#8. Have a to-do list

A to-do list keeps you focused, letting go of any distractions. The satisfaction that comes from striking things off the list and the feeling of accomplishment that follows can’t be traded for anything in the world. In addition, keeping a to-do list ensures you stay organized and productive throughout the day. 

There is so much more to health than just what we eat. The lifestyle component encompasses over 50% of our total health which means it’s something to pay attention to. If you want to experience drive, happiness, and peace of mind for the day, there is no better way to kick-start your day than with a healthy and consistent morning routine.

Featured image: @sarahlanga/Instagram

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