This Morning Routine Will Improve Your Mood
The way that you start your morning can do wonders for the rest of your day! A morning routine does not have to be intense or extensive, but building the habit of a healthy morning routine can be incredibly beneficial.
You most likely already have a morning routine, turning off your alarm, checking your phone, making coffee, brushing your teeth, etc. It can feel intimidating to try to create a new routine, but by changing one or two things, you may find yourself more energized and refreshed than you were before!
Habit 1:
Let the sun light in. Waking up with the sun (even on cloudy days) helps your body establish a healthy circadian rhythm, and it regulates the production of melatonin throughout the day. There are alarm clocks that simulate sunrise as an alarm, if you do not sleep near a window!
Habit 2:
Limit screen time upon waking up. Most of us immediately check our phones after waking up, and while our phones can certainly help us be productive and improve our quality of life, they can also be a major distraction and stressor, particularly when you check it first thing in the morning. When you first wake up in the morning, your brain switches from delta waves (deep sleep), to theta waves (daydream state), then to alpha waves (awake but relaxed). When you grab your phone immediately after waking up, you skip the theta and alpha stages and go straight to the beta state (awake and alert). It is important to allow yourself to flow through these states freely, which will leave you feeling more awake and alert throughout the day.
Habit 3:
Hydrate upon waking up. Starting your morning by drinking water helps get your metabolism going, and helps keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Habit 4:
Journal. Try a self-motivated journaling challenge. You can combine practicing gratitude in the morning with journaling. Journaling your priorities can help keep you accountable with your intentions and goals throughout the day. It also gives you a space to process your thoughts and emotions before beginning your day.
Habit 5:
Morning meditation. All you need is 5-10 minutes of meditation to slow your breath, calm yourself down and set your intentions for the day, similar to journaling practice.
Habit 6:
Move your body. Try adding a few yoga poses or a sun salutation into your morning routine, to release tightness in your body and get yourself warmed up and ready for your day.
Habit 7:
Fuel your body by eating a nourishing breakfast. Having a light meal first thing in the morning helps get your metabolism going, and will hold you over for a few hours before eating more. This will help your body establish how hungry you are, and set your hunger cues for the day.
It can feel overwhelming to try to incorporate all of these habits, but starting small and building these habits into your morning routine will give you the opportunity to build strength and stamina to stay consistent and dedicated.
