Three Habits for Starting the Day Off Right
By Emily Lindholm
What does your morning routine look like? Does it involve hitting the snooze button a dozen times and then running out the door with a bagel? Mine used to look this way, except I'd always leave enough time for coffee! I started to notice something though. The way I started my day had a tremendous influence on the way that the rest of my day went. I started to notice this when I began attending yoga classes three mornings a week. It was at this time, I became more mindful about my morning routines. The first step was actually having one! Since then, I've researched and discovered ways to start the day off right.
Wake Up Earlier
This may sound obvious, but it's true! If you know you're going to hit the snooze button, try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier. Give yourself a limit, such as three chances for the extra snooze, and after that, get up! If you don't feel like it, don't worry, most of us don't. However, the benefits of rising even just 30 minutes earlier than usual include:
- Allowing space for introspection, which can help with focus for the rest of the day
- Giving you more time for nourishment, whether that be a large breakfast or a cup of tea
- Getting a few things done off or your to-do list, if you have a list
Drink Lemon Water
This is a simple morning technique that doesn't take much preparation, yet is so beneficial. Upon waking and before eating anything, drink a glass of lukewarm water with fresh lemon squeezed into it. This simple morning trick will do the following:
- Stimulate and cleanse the liver and kidneys
- Gives you a boost of Vitamin C
- Alkalizes the body
- Provides you with antioxidants
For added benefit, try adding sea salt to this morning's concoction to get those electrolytes.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Giving yourself sufficient energy for the day is so important. What you eat in the morning will determine the amount of energy you feel throughout the day, especially the afternoon. Some people don't like to eat a lot in the morning, but what you eat is more important than how much you eat. Whether or not you have a full breakfast or a light snack, nourishing foods in the morning will help to wake you up and jump-start your metabolism, helping you think clearly and leaving you without the jitters before lunchtime.
Conclusion
Your morning routine will make or break your day. Try starting with these three things, and then add some more into your morning if you are able to! Exercise and meditation are great in the morning as well!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Draper, Utah.