How to Create a Morning Routine That Supports Your Health – Help

Getting into a great morning routine can make all the difference to how you feel throughout the day. A healthy and relaxing morning routine will get you feeling more energised, focused and positive. Many of us struggle to get out of bed with a lot of energy due to checking our phones straight away, rushing our breakfast or worrying about what we have to do. However, incorporating a few simple changes into your morning can boost your physical and mental wellbeing.

Creating a morning routine doesn’t mean you have to get up super early. It means doing a few simple and easy habits to help you get back on track with healthy habits. Here are some great ways to create a morning routine.

1. Wake Up at a Consistent Time

Getting into a consistent routine can help you create a healthy morning. We have an internal clock within our bodies which helps to control our sleeping and energy levels. Waking up at a similar time every day will help to keep your body in line.

Try to wake up at a time that allows you to do what you need to do without rushing. Try your best to stick to this throughout the weekend. Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Having a consistent sleep routine will help you to be more focused, positive and improve your overall health.

Take a few moments to stretch, take some deep breaths and get yourself ready.

2. Hydrate With a Glass Of Water

After several hours of sleep your body will need to rehydrate. Drinking a glass of water will help you get into a healthy routine.

Drinking water will help your digestion, control your body temperature and help your different organs to function correctly. Staying hydrated throughout the day will help you not to feel as tired.

Have a glass or bottle of water by your bed to make it easy to drink. You don’t need to spend money on fancy drinks. Plain water is a great option.

3. Get Some Natural Sunlight

Getting some natural light in the morning will help keep your internal clock in check. It will let your brain know that it is time to start your day.

Try to get outside for about 10-20 minutes depending on the weather. Sit on your balcony, go for a walk in your garden or just enjoy a bit of sun whilst having your breakfast.

Getting some natural light in the morning can help improve your mood and make you feel more alert. However, take care to not over-expose your skin to the sun, especially in the hotter weather.

4. Include Physical Activity

Incorporating some exercise into your morning can be a great way to get into a healthy routine. You don’t need to spend an hour at the gym. Try to do a little exercise to get your body moving.

Try doing some simple exercises like:

• Walking for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Practicing gentle yoga or stretching.

• Doing a few bodyweight exercises.

• Cycling at a comfortable pace.

• Performing light exercises at home.

Doing exercise regularly will help your heart, strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility and help with stress.

Pick something that you enjoy doing. If you enjoy your exercise you are more likely to stick with it.

5. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Having a good breakfast will help give your body the vital nutrients it needs. Eating a balanced breakfast will help you to feel full.

Try to have a breakfast that contains a good mix of protein, fibre, healthy fats and other nutritious foods. Great options are eggs, oats, wholegrain bread, yoghurt, fresh fruits and nuts.

For example, have a boiled egg with some wholegrain bread and a piece of fruit. Or a bowl of oats with some milk, nuts and banana.

Try to avoid eating too much processed food and sugary drinks. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a healthy breakfast. Try to cook something simple at home which will contain lots of nutrients.

6. Avoid Checking Your Phone Immediately

Many of us have the bad habit of checking our social media, messages and news as soon as we wake up. Whilst it may seem harmless it can cause you to get distracted and stressed.

Try to avoid using your phone for the first 20-30 minutes.

Use this time to hydrate, get some exercise, cook your breakfast or just relax. Once you are ready you can check any important messages.

By avoiding using your phone you will feel more present and organised.

7. Look After Your Mental Health

Whilst looking after your physical health is important, looking after your mental health is equally important. Taking a few moments to relax in the morning can help you to start your day with a clearer and positive mind.

Try to do some meditation, deep breathing, praying or writing down things you are grateful for. You don’t need any special equipment and it won’t take long.

Write down 3 things that you are grateful for. This is a simple way to remind yourself of the positive things in your life.

If you have a few things to do write down a quick list of what is most important to you. Having a clear plan will help you to not get confused and manage your time.

8. Keep Your Morning Routine Simple

A common mistake is to try to do too much when starting your new routine. This will create an unrealistic schedule and can leave you feeling demotivated.

Start with doing 2-3 simple habits. For example, try to wake up at a consistent time, drink some water and do a short walk.

Once these become a natural habit you can slowly add more in. Remember that it is more important to be consistent than perfect.

Your routine should be flexible. Some days you may be busier than others and that is completely fine. If you miss out one activity that is okay. Just get back into your routine the next day.

Conclusion

Creating a healthy morning routine is one of the easiest ways to look after your long term wellbeing. Simple habits like waking up consistently, hydrating, getting some natural light, doing some exercise, eating a balanced breakfast and looking after your mental health can help you to have a more productive and enjoyable day.

Don’t try to follow someone else's perfect routine. Create a routine that fits your individual needs. Start with simple habits and be patient. Give yourself time to get into healthy habits.

Remember that you don’t need a perfect morning to have a better day. Making a few mindful choices to look after your body and mind will help you to create a stronger base for a happier, healthier and balanced life.