How you start your morning can make a big difference in how the rest of your day pans out. If you start it on an unhealthy footing, maybe by eating leftover pizza for breakfast or stressing out about the day ahead, you’ll carry that lousy energy with you — and it’ll suck. Instead, here are 12 things the healthiest people do every morning. Stop making excuses and try them out!
1. They Wake Up Early.
You don’t have to wake up when the birds start chirping, but it helps not to sleep in — science has discovered multiple benefits of being an early riser over the years that are well worth considering. On the flip side, hitting the snooze button increases your stress levels, which can lead to health issues down the line. You don’t want to be so late that you’re rushing to work or getting stuck in traffic. It’s so stressful! It’s better to set your alarm early and give yourself a chance to wake up and ease into the day without the chaos.
2. They Think About Their Goals For The Day Ahead.
While you’re brushing your teeth and changing out of your PJs, it helps to think about what you have to achieve for the day. This will fine-tune your purpose and ensure you stay on track with your goals and to-do list. Everything you want will be fresh in your mind and you’ll feel like you’re in control of your day.
3. They Meditate.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time breathing and sitting quietly if that feels like too much pressure. Something as simple as just sitting on the patio and sipping a hot coffee while breathing deeply and visualizing how you want the day to go can help ground you and put you in a peaceful mood. Slow down for a few minutes — it’ll help you chill out.
4. They Stay Hydrated.
While you want to reach for a high-caffeine drink to get you going, the best thing to do is actually reach for a bottle of water. Add some cucumber or lemon if you find water boring. Staying hydrated is key to feeling good and avoiding the nasty side effects of dehydration, such as nausea and headaches.
5. They Get Moving.
You don’t have to hit the gym if you simply don’t have time, but a little bit of exercise can help you to boost those feel-good hormones and release pent-up energy and anxiety. So, go for a brisk walk in the park or do a few yoga stretches in your bedroom while listening to some good music. You’ll feel energized and enthusiastic.
6. They Eat A Healthy Breakfast.
You want to start your day with a healthy meal that’s filled with nutrients like complex carbs and proteins. This will keep your blood sugar levels healthy and give you enough energy for the busy day ahead. Try some oats or yogurt with nuts and fruit. If breakfast isn’t your thing, don’t force the issue — there’s no real evidence that skipping breakfast is harmful — what’s important is that when you do eat, it’s something nutritious.
7. They Avoid Their Phones.
Sure, you’re busy and want to stay connected, but you should avoid using your phone for at least an hour after waking up since it triggers your stress response and sets you up for a pretty hectic day, especially if you see some tense work emails sitting in your inbox. They can wait for when you get to the office!
8. They Connect With Loved Ones.
An exception to the “no device” rule in the morning is to stay in touch with loved ones, such as your partner, parent, or sibling. Spend a few minutes texting or talking on the phone to boost your feel-good hormones. If you live alone, you might have a quick FaceTime with your bestie who always makes you laugh or cuddle with your pet. The point is to get a little TLC from the people and things that you love most (and vice versa).
9. They Boost Their Inspiration.
Healthy people want to stay inspired so they can enter their day with an optimistic, go-getting mindset. Whether it’s a podcast that makes you laugh, a wellness book that boosts your mood, or something else that keeps you motivated, squeeze in a bit of time to indulge in this activity. You’ll feel much more confident, capable, and creative as you head out into the world, and that’s amazing.
10. They Get Some Sun.
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Some natural light is a great way to boost your Vitamin D levels and regulate your circadian rhythm — and it makes you feel good, to boot. You might not be in a sunny location, but it still helps to get outside in nature for a bit. So, consider walking through a park on your way to work or sit in the garden for 10 minutes. That’s all it takes to start seeing the benefits!
11. They Go With Gratitude.
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Think about some things you’re grateful for, as it’s a great way to start your day with a positive, happy mindset. It’s useful to keep a gratitude journal on your bedside table so you can start scribbling feel-good reasons the minute you wake up! No matter how much stress you’re dealing with, seeing that list will help you shift your mood.
12. They Make Their Beds.
After getting up this morning, did you make your bed? If not, go back and tidy it up! When you get home later, you’ll be happy to see your bed looking so neat and inviting. Making your bed makes you feel like you’re starting your day by being responsible and not cluttering your mind or surroundings with untidiness. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference to your days.
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