As humans, we often look for ways to improve ourselves. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as pursuing health, increasing our knowledge or skill sets, and improving our emotional intelligence. Bettering yourself is a worthy goal, and there are endless objectives that you can set to accomplish this.
Self-improvement can also be done by making the most of our days. Once you wake up, you have a limited amount of time before you go to sleep for the next day. The hours that you have during the day may be taken up by responsibilities, work, raising kids, eating meals, engaging with others socially, or attending events. The schedule for your day can easily become overwhelming.
The morning is often the quietest period of the day. Before you head off to work or get started on the long list of responsibilities, this time is used to prepare for the day. But many people fail to take advantage of this quieter period. Here are some ideas to change up your morning routine for an effective start to the day.
Go to Bed Earlier
The morning routine starts the night before. Often, people try to sleep in as late as possible to get the most amount of sleep before rushing through their morning routine at a breakneck pace. That sounds like a stressful way to start each day, doesn’t it? Instead, try shifting your bedtime a little earlier and doing the same with your wake-up time. This will give you a little more flexibility in the morning while still allowing you to get enough sleep each night so that your body and brain are recovered.
Avoid the Snooze Button
Nothing is more tempting than hitting the snooze button after an early alarm. You just want to stay in bed under the comfy covers and grab a few precious moments of additional sleep. However, these short sleep bursts provide you with no health benefits. They are more likely to ensure you feel tired for the rest of the day. When the alarm goes off, use all the willpower you have to put your feet on the floor quickly. The action of rising will help you wake up quicker and initiate a better start to the day.
Prepare a Nutritious Breakfast
Physical health is very dependent on what you put into your body. Since breakfast is the first meal of the day, it can dictate how the rest of your day will go in terms of healthy practices. A balanced breakfast that is packed with nutrients will provide your cells with the energy and resources they need to thrive. A fruit smoothie, hearty omelet, healthy breakfast bowl, or bowl of yogurt with berries and oats are all very nutritious options to start your day, and many of them do not require much effort to put together. Skip the cereal and use that extra time in the morning to prepare a balanced meal.
Take Health Supplements
Supplements are a great resource for those who already have healthy diets. They can provide additional nutrients that can support various aspects of health. For example, eye health supplements can provide extra levels of zinc and lutein to support long-term ocular wellness. Other products can inject some energy into your morning with ingredients like caffeine. Some supplements can target digestive health. Include one of these products in your morning routine to support your physical health alongside your nutrient-rich breakfast.
Fit in a Short Workout
Hopefully, waking up early has given you a little extra time to use for whatever you want in the morning before heading out for the day. One suggestion to promote physical and mental health is to fit in a short workout activity. It could be as simple as going on a walk or light jog outside, which allows you to improve cardiovascular conditioning while embracing the great outdoors for well-being. You could also do a Yoga session or other types of calisthenics without leaving your house or in the backyard. Time to exercise can be tough to find during the rest of the day, so take advantage of your time in the morning.
Engage in a Relaxing Activity
Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. A rushed morning routine can be a detriment to this aspect of wellness, especially since it can add stress to the day. By waking up earlier and giving yourself more time, you can use that time to slow down and prepare mentally for the day. This would be the perfect opportunity to read a book for pleasure for ten or fifteen minutes. Sit outside in the morning sun with a cup of coffee, taking in the sounds of nature or the city you live in. Feel free to do some breathing exercises or meditation, or write in a personal journal.
Start Your Day Right With a New Routine
Whether you decide to make time for healthier breakfasts, workouts, or relaxation in the morning, the right changes to your routine can yield a more effective start to your day. Consider adopting one or two of these practices and see how they can shift your energy and perspective each day.
