How you approach your mornings can set a tone for the rest of the day. If you wake up feeling groggy and rushed, it’s more likely that you’ll make poor food choices, have less energy to exercise, and generally feel stressed throughout the day. On the other hand, if you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, you’re more likely to make healthy choices, be more productive, and feel happier throughout the day.
So, what’s the best way to start your day? Here are some healthy lifestyle changes to make to help you get off on the right foot:
Wake Up at the Same Time Each Day
Some people wake up at different times, depending on when they must be at work or school. However, waking up at the same time every day benefits your health. Doing so can help regulate your natural sleep cycle, making it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep.
Another reason to start your day at similar times is to help reduce stress. If you’re constantly trying to figure out what time it is and how much sleep you can squeeze in, it can add unnecessary stress to your day.
It can be tempting to sleep in on weekends, especially if your weekdays are usually crazy and hectic. But try to stick to a consistent wake-up time as much as possible. This will give your body the rest it needs and help you start your day feeling refreshed.
Get Some Sunlight
As soon as you wake up, open the curtains or step outside to get some natural sunlight. Sunlight helps to improve your mood and energy levels, and it also helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep cycle. Remember that sunlight doesn’t have to be direct to be beneficial – even if it’s cloudy outside, you’ll still get some benefits from sunlight exposure.
If you can’t step outside immediately, try sitting near a window to get some natural light. You could also invest in a light therapy lamp, which can mimic the effects of natural sunlight. But if you can, take the time to bask in sunlight early in the morning.
You can simply do some stretching or deep breathing exercises while you stay in the sunlight for a few minutes to help you relax and center yourself for the day ahead. You can do this on your deck, backyard, or even just in a nearby park.
Drink Plenty of Water
As soon as you wake up, drink a glass or two of water to rehydrate your body. You’ve been sleeping for several hours, so your body is likely dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning can help jump start your metabolism and give you energy for the day ahead.
Experts suggest that you drink cold water in the morning. Cold water requires your body to use energy to heat it up, which can help to boost your metabolism. But if you don’t like cold water, you can drink room-temperature or warm water instead.
If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding some fruit slices or herbs to flavor it. There are endless possibilities, so get creative and find a combination you enjoy.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
After hydrating your body, it’s time to eat breakfast. A healthy breakfast can help to improve your energy levels and concentration throughout the day. Plus, it can help reduce cravings later in the day and prevent overeating at lunch or dinner.
If you’re not used to eating breakfast, start slowly with something small, such as a piece of fruit or yogurt. Once your stomach gets used to having food in the morning, you can gradually increase the size and complexity of your breakfast.
Some ideas for a healthy breakfast include:
- Whole-grain toast with almond butter and banana
- Overnight oats with chia seeds and berries
- Scrambled eggs with vegetables
- Smoothie made with yogurt, fruit, and spinach
- Leftovers from the night before (such as a veggie-loaded quinoa dish or hearty soup)
Leverage the Benefits of Coffee
If you are still not drinking coffee, now can be the best day to start drinking because coffee has many health perks. For one, coffee can improve your physical performance and help you to feel less tired. It can also help to improve your mental focus and concentration and even help to protect your brain from age-related decline.
A cup of espresso with a dash of milk or a cup of black coffee are both excellent choices. Just be sure to avoid adding too much sugar, cream, or other high-calorie toppings to your coffee. But if you’re exhausted, consider having an espresso instead of a larger cup of coffee.
Even the act of making a good cup of coffee in the morning can help improve your mood and energy levels for the day ahead. If you want to take your coffee-making experience to the next level and start pampering yourself with coffee each morning, consider investing in a reliable coffee machine with a grinder and milk frother. Various rent brands and models can offer different features, such as programmable settings and automatic shut-off, so do your research. Remember to buy from a reputable supplier with lots of good reviews to enjoy excellent customer service and a high-quality coffee machine to help you start your day right.
Commit to an Exercise Routine
If you’re not already active, it’s time to start incorporating some exercise into your daily routine. Exercise has countless benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting energy levels.
If you’re new to exercise, start off slowly with some basic movements. You could do a few laps around your block, some bodyweight exercises at home, or even just go for a leisurely walk in the park. The important thing is to get your body moving and commit to doing some form of exercise most days of the week.
As you become more comfortable with exercise, you can add more challenging workouts. But it’s still beneficial even if you only have time for a light workout. So find an exercise routine that works for you and stick with it.
Making even just a few small changes to your morning routine can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. So ditch the unhealthy habits and start your day off right with these healthy lifestyle changes. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it!
