“Getting off on the right foot”, “getting out on the right side of the bed”, “starting off with a bang”, yada-yada…
It’s said time and time again, but starting your day out right truly does have the ability to impact the rest of your day. So here are my tips for starting the day “on a good note”…
1. Don’t hit the snooze button
While tempting, hitting the snooze button means that your sleep cycle is interrupted, and when you ‘snooze’, you’re not going into the REM sleep stage which is restorative. This means rather than waking up revitalised, you will be left more tired than you would be if you had just gotten up the first time!
If you do struggle to wake up in the mornings, try introducing some of these foods, such as apples, almonds, and whole grains into your morning meals.
2. Salute the sun
You are awake, and so is the sun, so say hello! Too many of us spend our days indoors working away, so start your day in the sunshine and boost your Vitamin D intake, as a lack of this can often lead to brittle bones and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. You can also boost your Vitamin D intake by including certain high protein foods such as pork, eggs, tofu and oily fish like trout in your diet.
Additionally, Vitamin D fuels the production of serotonin, a chemical created by our bodies that works as a neurotransmitter,affecting how we act and our individual behaviours. while sunlight also shuts off the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone produced at night that makes you feel drowsy.
3. Exercise
While exercise at any time of the day is going to be beneficial for you, exercising in the morning means that you’re pumping your whole body full of blood and oxygen to take on the day. Prioritise your health and wellness by setting your alarm an hour earlier in the morning for exercise, which in turn can bring greater happiness and work productivity to your day.
4. Hydrate
I know I endlessly promote this, but hydrating with a glass of water with half a lemon will full you with antioxidants, Vitamin C and potassium which helps to alkalise your body, boos your digestive system and will support your immune system. Remember people, water + lemon.
5. Shower, hot AND cold.
Finishing your hot morning shower off with a blast of cold water will really wake you up and help get your circulation going!
6. Make your bed
Not only will it be that much nicer to climb into again then next night, it will also give you a sense of accomplishment, encouraging you to be more productive throughout the day.
7. Meditate
Starting your day with 5-10 minutes of meditation and mindfulness exercises will start your day on a calm note, focusing you for the day ahead. You do not need to be an expert to do this, just sit down and focus on your breathing as it goes in an out. Chamomile tea may also work to relax and centre yourself.
8. Think three good thoughts
The age old mind over matter argument has never been truer. Put yourself in a good mood by listing off three things you are thankful for, happy about, or looking forward to- even the smallest things are significant.
9. Eat breakfast
If you haven’t heard this advice before, you may have been living under a rock. Mornings are busy, but if you skip breakfast you are setting yourself up for blood sugar highs and lows all day! Some of Emily and my favourites are scrambled eggs with avocado and feta, or fresh seasonal fruits with goat milk yoghurt, puffed quinoa and nuts. I have also included two recipes that are full of nutritional value, and you can prepare or quickly make in the morning before you rush out the door!
10. Write your to-do list
Nothing makes us more productive, than laying out exactly what we need to achieve, prioritising these tasks, and starting the day with a more focused plan of attack.
If you’re not already, try implementing these 10 tips in your morning routine, and I guarantee you will start enjoying more, achieving more, and living more each day.
