What’s A Healthy Morning Routine?

A healthy morning routine can help you feel energised, focused, and ready to take on the day. An energising routine helps you set the tone for the rest of the day.

What is a Morning Routine?

A morning routine is a set of habits repeated each morning as you wake up, explains Game Quitters. It aids productivity. You could do anything from exercising and journaling to reading and meditating.

It is excellent for bringing stability and order to your life and doesn’t have to be highly restrictive. Essentially, many successful people who follow a routine find the idea of having a plan very freeing! It reduces stress and can make you feel calm and as if you are achieving something every day by ticking off your routine checklist!

Additionally, a routine is flexible. Even with a structured routine, you can still switch things up at any time – the power lies with you. You can use it as a set of guidelines to help you steer each day successfully.

Here are a few tips for creating a healthy morning routine:

• Have a set wake-up time. This can help regulate your body’s natural rhythms, such as your mental, physical and behavioural changes that go through a 24-hour cycle to make it easier to wake up in the morning. Try to wake up at least an hour before you need to start preparing to leave. Ease your way into the day with ample time. 
• Eat a healthy breakfast. A nutritious breakfast can give your body the energy it needs to start the day. Try to include a source of protein, such as eggs or Greek yoghurt, and a source of whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole wheat toast.
• Get moving. Whether it’s a quick workout, a yoga session, or just a walk around the block, moving your body in the morning helps boost your energy levels.
• Meditate or practice mindfulness. This can help calm your mind and set a positive tone for the day.
• Plan your day. Before you start your work or other activities, take a few minutes to plan out your schedule and set your priorities for the day. This helps you stay focused and on track throughout the day. You must have a checklist of what you aim to achieve. 

Why Start the Day with a Healthy Breakfast?

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is beneficial for several reasons, says Hopkins Medicine. A well-balanced, healthy breakfast:

• Provides energy: A healthy breakfast gives your body the energy needed to start the day. Eating breakfast with protein and whole grains can help keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime.
• Improves cognitive function: Eating breakfast improves memory and concentration. This is why schools recommend kids don’t skip breakfast! There is evidence of improved overall cognitive function in kids who eat before class. 
• Helps with weight management: Skipping breakfast can lead to overeating later in the day, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Eating breakfast balances your appetite to prevent overeating later in the day.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Eating a healthy breakfast can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent a mid-morning slump caused by low blood sugar.

It’s important to note that a healthy breakfast is balanced. This means that it contains a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid high-sugar breakfasts, such as sugary cereals, pastries or drinks, as those can spike your blood sugar levels and make you feel sluggish.

Best Morning Routine Exercises

Many different types of exercises can be beneficial in the morning. Some of the best options include:

• Aerobic exercise: Activities like running, cycling, and swimming can help get your heart rate up and boost your energy levels.
• Yoga is a great way to start the day, as it can help stretch and strengthen your muscles while promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
• Bodyweight exercises: Exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges can be done with little to no equipment and can be a great way to get in a full-body workout.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): These short and intense workouts can be a great way to boost your metabolism and increase your endurance.
• Pilates: Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can help strengthen your core, improve your posture, and increase your flexibility.

It’s also important to remember that consistency is vital, so choose an exercise you enjoy and can stick to in the long term. It’s also a good idea to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any health concerns.

Tips For Meditation

Meditation can be a great way to start your day, as it can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation and mindfulness. 

• Set aside a specific time for meditation. It could be the first thing in the morning or at any other time of the day that works for you, but make sure to set aside a specific time for it.
• Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. It could be a chair, a cushion, or an outside bench. It’s essential to be comfortable to focus on your breathing and not your body.
• Start with a few minutes of meditation. You can start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable with the practice.
• Focus on your breath. One of the most common ways to meditate is to focus on your breath and follow it as it goes in and out.
• Don’t be hard on yourself. Meditation can be challenging for some people, so don’t be hard on yourself if you find your mind wandering. 
• Incorporate guided meditation. There are many apps and online resources that offer guided meditations.

Remember, meditation is a practice; it takes time to develop the skill, so be patient and keep at it. The benefits of meditation will come with regular practice.