The Importance of Your Morning Routine
Rise and shine, night owls! Are you one of those who hate mornings with a passion? Let’s be real, mornings are tough. Whether it be from lack of sleep the night before or the dread of a busy day ahead. We feel you! But, it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Mornings can be a sacred aspect of your routine. Embrace the tranquility and let it fuel your day with energy and motivation. Whether it’s savoring a cup of coffee, going for a refreshing walk, or simply indulging in some ‘you time,’ make sure to carve out these important moments. Your morning routine sets the tone for the entire day, so here are a few tips to help you kickstart your day with a bang and take advantage of those early hours while everyone else hits snooze.
The first benefit to waking up early is SUNLIGHT! Sunlight in the morning not only helps set our internal clock but also boosts our mood and energy levels throughout the day by releasing various hormones that are critical for vitality and productivity. Not only that, but it is also great for your mental health. Exposure to natural light enhances the production of serotonin, which helps to combat feelings of depression. If you want the ultimate fix for your circadian rhythm, look to starting your day with a natural light source as opposed to starting or ending your day by staring at a screen! Our devices are not only highly addictive, but they’re also messing with our sleep! According to the National Library of Medicine, “Artificial light can delay the timing of the circadian clock and thus sleep. Indeed, light from LED screens has repeatedly been suggested to interfere with sleep and the physiological processes involved (e.g., melatonin secretion).” So, opt for a limit on screen time throughout your day, especially before bedtime.
Another benefit to waking up early is embracing the quiet. Mornings offer a serene atmosphere that allows you to gather your thoughts. Participate in an activity that excites you, like mindfulness and meditation! For starters, it can enhance your mental clarity. Starting your day with a peaceful meditation session can help clear your mind of any lingering thoughts or worries. It sets the tone for a focused and productive day ahead! Not only that, but it can aid in stress reduction: Life can get hectic, but just a few minutes of mindful breathing and relaxation can help you find inner calm and reduce stress levels significantly. When you’re calm, you’re productive! By taking the time to center yourself through these practices, you’ll find yourself more energized and ready to tackle any tasks that come your way. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Meditation helps create a positive mindset, improves self-awareness, and fosters a deeper sense of gratitude. We highly encourage you to engage in practices that allow for a great day ahead.
Last but not least, eat a nutritious breakfast! Waking up earlier gives you an opportunity to feed your mind and body what it needs to be successful. Fueling yourself with the right foods will provide sustainable energy and keep you alert and focused. Breakfast jumpstarts your brain, boosting your focus, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Starting your day with a delicious breakfast not only satisfies your taste buds but also triggers the release of hormones like serotonin, so make eating breakfast a priority in your morning routine if you want to avoid that early afternoon dip in energy.
Building a morning routine that works for you has benefits that go way beyond the hours that lie ahead. Remember, a successful day starts with a successful morning routine. Embrace these healthy habits and watch as your productivity and success soar!
References:
Blume, C., Garbazza, C., & Spitschan, M. (2019, September). Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood. Somnologie : Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin = Somnology : sleep research and sleep medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751071/
Gibney, M. J., Barr, S. I., Bellisle, F., Drewnowski, A., Fagt, S., Livingstone, B., Masset, G., Varela Moreiras, G., Moreno, L. A., Smith, J., Vieux, F., Thielecke, F., & Hopkins, S. (2018, May 1). Breakfast in human nutrition: The International Breakfast Research Initiative. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986439/
