Many women tend to stick to the same tried-and-true morning routine wake up, go straight for the coffee, grab a bite to eat, shower, and then go to work. As the morning can set the tone for your entire day, those who are striving to achieve better health can get off to a much better start by changing things up a bit.
Making just a few tweaks in that first hour of the day, not only leads to improved health, but you’ll also feel more refreshed and have more energy to get through the entire day.
Reach for Water
Instead of immediately reaching for a cup of coffee, pour yourself a glass of water and a squeeze of lemon . When you first wake up in the morning, your body is usually dehydrated as it’s been working even while you’re sleeping. The simple act of breathing causes a loss of water. Replenish those fluids with lemon water for instant energy, as well as to aid digestion, flush out toxins, boost your immune system, and even to enjoy a better mood.
Meditation
Studies have shown that practicing meditation changes the brain for the better, helping to improve well-being and quality of life, as well as decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Getting in the habit of incorporating even just a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine can help set a more positive tone throughout the day.
Repeating positive affirmations such as’It’s going to be a great day, or I am excited, focused, energized and ready for the day, can help instill those thoughts into your subconscious as the mind is particularly receptive shortly after waking up.
You don’t need any tools, but ideally, you should find a place in your home where you won’t be disturbed. A sunroom addition can be a wonderful haven for meditation, bringing in the beauty of the outdoors and allowing the rays of the sun to re-energize and awaken you for the day.
Turn it Off
Many people immediately reach for their smartphone upon waking and browse the web to find out what’s going on in the world or turn the television to listen to the news. While being informed is good, reading all of that negative news first thing in the morning doesn’t help to set a positive tone for the day. News can even be toxic to your system. Negative stories can cause a panicky feeling that triggers cortisol, a stress hormone known to help us with life’s challenge. Too much cortisol can lead to serious health issues, including a weaker immune system, impaired digestion, slower metabolism, and can negatively impact the endocrine system.
Exercise
Waking up a little earlier and working out first thing in the morning is an ideal way to increase your energy levels all day long, get into a better mood, boost confidence, and improve overall health. Exercise helps to get your blood flowing and also triggers a rush of endorphins, sometimes referred to as ‘happy hormones,’ which gets your day off to a great start. If the thought of running or participating in other high impact activities is just too much for you when first waking up, consider more gentle exercises like yoga that can still help get your energy level up.
