Do you wake up every morning hitting the snooze button? The morning is a critical part of the day, offering a fresh start and an opportunity to set the tone for what follows. How you begin your morning often shapes the rest of your day. Therefore, getting into good morning habits is ideal for going into your day fresh and ready to face whatever is thrown at you. In this article, we will delve into a list of good habits to practice in the morning, with the aim of helping you create habits that will lead to your morning sucking just a little less.
Digital Detox
When we wake up and turn off our alarms in 2023, it’s difficult not to roll over and immediately check your phone. In fact, how many of us use our phones as an alarm clock? We're starting the day with our phones already in our hands. However, starting your day staring at a screen can disrupt your morning more than you think. It has been shown to be beneficial to limit your exposure to screens and digital devices in the morning. Avoid checking emails or social media until you've completed your morning routine (more on establishing that below). It allows your brain to ease into the day a little easier before being overloaded with whatever information your various apps throw your way.
Morning Workout
Exercising in the morning offers a multitude of benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're an early bird or someone looking to establish a healthier morning routine, exercise can go a long way for our health. Incorporating morning exercise into your routine may require an adjustment period, but the numerous physical and mental benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. Physical activity can set a positive tone for the entire day and contribute to your long-term health and well-being. It also helps to choose your workout of choice the night before that way you don’t have to worry about it in the morning.
Looking for a workout to do in the morning? Try one of these!
Take a Brisk Walk
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It is gentle on your joints and is a good exercise to ease into your day with. Walking is also great for clearing the mine and visualizing the day ahead. “Walking is just as good as any other form of exercise,” says University Hospitals pediatric sports medicine specialist Laura Goldberg, MD. “The guidelines are 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. It doesn’t really matter how you get that.”
So if you’re looking for a good morning exercise, consider going for a walk.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are another good option for starting the morning. Jumping jacks engage your whole body which is key to a morning workout. You need to get your whole body moving in order to help you wake up easier with the day. Jumping jacks also do not require a significant amount of space which can be a challenge for those living in smaller apartments or homes. Jumping jacks will help get that heart rate going and do not require any training beforehand so make a great option for an early morning workout.
Yoga
Yoga is another wonderful option to start your morning with. Similar to walking, yoga is a great workout for not putting too much stress on your joints. The low impact works well for easing into your morning slowly. Yoga tutorials are also widely available, a simple YouTube search will yield endless results.
Yoga can also be completed in manageable sessions of 5-10 minutes. Meaning you don’t have to block out as much time every morning for it. So if you’re looking for a peaceful way to start your mornings, consider yoga!
Healthy Breakfast
The next step to establishing a healthy morning routine is a good balanced breakfast. A nutritious breakfast fuels your body and mind for the day ahead. Include a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits or vegetables to provide sustained energy and mental clarity. A nutritious breakfast is like the foundation of a sturdy house – it sets the tone for the day ahead. Whether you're looking to kickstart your morning, stay energized throughout the day, or maintain a healthy lifestyle, what you eat for breakfast matters.
Find some recommendations on what to eat for breakfast after a workout in another Bear Blog here.
Meditation & Visualizing The Morning
Meditation in the morning offers is a great way to bring peace to your mind before the craziness of your day sets in. Morning meditation helps you start your day with a calm and centered mind. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on your breath, you can reduce stress and anxiety levels. This sets a positive tone for the day, making you better equipped to handle challenges and uncertainties.
It also helps to take a few minutes to create a to-do list or prioritize tasks for the day. This planning ensures you stay organized and focused on what truly matters, preventing unnecessary stress and time-wasting. Help your day run smoother by planning ahead.
Cultivating good morning habits is a something that can really help make a difference in your quality of life. Starting mornings out smoothly can help ease the stressors that come with day to day life. These habits provide a roadmap to creating a morning routine that works for you. Customize your routine for you. With dedication and perseverance, you can harness the power of your mornings to ensure they suck just a little less.
