Not all of us are morning people – sometimes, it can be tough to get going. But it is possible to spring into action when your alarm goes off and make the most of the start of your day. All you need is a consistent early morning routine.
Here are four morning habits that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
1. Wake up at a consistent time
While you may not catch the worm, rising early at a consistent time has real benefits for how you feel. Adding a little extra time at the start means you can ease yourself into the day, without feeling rushed or stressed. And if you struggle to find some ‘me time’ in your busy schedule, then first thing in the morning is the time to make your own.
Just adding an extra 15 minutes to the start of your day can give you the breathing space you need to get ready or take some time to meditate and plan for your day. If you do feel a little sluggish and can’t shake off your tiredness, however, then it may be worth considering iron supplements as iron contributes towards the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (EFSA, 2010).
2. Hydrate
After a night’s sleep, your body is going to be dehydrated – drinking a glass of water first thing is going to help rehydrate your system and help combat that groggy feeling you get when you first awake.
Another good way to refresh your system is to have a glass of warm water, with a squeeze of fresh lemon, which can help flush your digestion and give you a little vitamin C boost. And for the ultimate early morning wake up, turn your shower to cold for the final minute for a super energizer!
3. Get moving
A short burst of exercise, including gentle stretching, will also help to kickstart your body into action and leave you feeling supple and energized. It doesn’t have to be a full-on high impact workout – an early morning walk with the dog, a yoga session or a warm-up exercise class will be enough to get your energy levels pumping, lower stress and leave you feeling day-ready alert. Just make sure you don’t skip the warm-up and cool down.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast
Widely considered to be the most important meal of the day, don’t be tempted to skip your breakfast as eating first thing in the morning means you will have more sustained energy, feel fuller for longer and will be less likely to snack.
Eating breakfast also means you will be better focused and ready for the day ahead. But it does need to be healthy as sugary foods can lead to an energy dip later on. Just after your breakfast is also a good time to take a multivitamin supplement so you have all the essential vitamins and minerals you need to happily go about your day.
And opting for a breakfast made up from lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats will be the fuel you need to keep you feeling sustained, refreshed, and ready for everything the day may bring.
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