5 Morning Habits That will Make You Happy All Day Long
What is your morning routine? How do you usually start your day? Do you wake immediately with your alarm? Or constantly hit the snooze button, and finally drag yourself out of bed at least 30 minutes later? Difficulty getting up in the morning isn’t just about loving your sleep and hating mornings. In fact, some people who have trouble crawling out of bed in the morning also have problems with stress and depression, which greatly affect their daily life.
Studies have suggested that when a person gets up early, he/she is more energetic and productive. That’s because waking up early gives you the leisure to plan your day ahead. You aren’t rushing through your day in a haze with a cluttered mind. Planning ahead eliminates the stress that comes with rushing to get things done.
Having a morning routine helps us set the tone for the day, bringing more control, flexibility in our daily schedule, and increasing our productivity. You will actually be less likely to suffer from anxiety and stress while rushing for work or tasks, and ultimately you will be healthier and happier. Here are some tips and morning habits you should start your day with:
1. Stretch and warm up your body
Morning stretches are basically a warm up for your day, it is a perfect way to gradually warm and awaken the mind and body after a restful night’s sleep. Getting up and moving doesn’t always have to mean doing a hard workout. Try to do 5 to 15 minutes stretching warm up exercises after you wake up. A quick morning stretching routine is a great way to loosen up your entire body and get you ready for your day.
2. Start your day with water
Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your body healthy and satisfied. Drinking water on an empty stomach can increase your metabolic rate and helps flush out all the toxins your kidneys and liver have been working hard all night at removing. Your body is dehydrated after going 7–8 hours without any fluids. Giving it water right away will replenish your organs and fire up your brain increasing your mood and cognitive functions.
3. Stop checking your phone
Checking your phone immediately after waking up may not be a good way to start your day considering the fact that you are being bombarded with new messages, emails, to-dos and other things that trigger a feeling of stress and anxiety. This disrupts your chances of starting your day with a calm mind.
So, if you want to avoid starting your day feeling rushed, stressed, and anxious, stop checking your smartphone right after waking up. Instead, aim to start in a way so that your mind can relax.
4. Eat a hearty breakfast
Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight.
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. When you wake up, you’ve been without food for about 6 to 8 hours. Eating breakfast will help you replenish your body and maintain your energy.
5. Write or review your daily to-do list
Structure your day and write down everything you need to get done today. Take 20 minutes with a notepad or paper to jot down everything you do for today, as well as everything you should get done. Evaluate and review your task, consider what adjustments you may want to make it efficient and productive.
Mornings don't have to be rough. By doing a few focused things when you wake up, you can set yourself up for more productivity throughout the day. If your daily routine seem doesn't work perfectly at first, simply make one new practice a week and see if you notice improvement
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