The alarm clock rings but you still feel exhausted from the day before. Finally, you muster the strength to roll out of bed. But how can you set yourself up for a better morning and a more successful day?
Vinay Saranga M.D. is a psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry (www.sarangapsychiatry.com) and offers these six tips:
Don’t reach for your phone
Avoid being sucked into your digital world before you start your day in the real world. The alarm clock app on your phone makes it far too convenient and tempting to check for messages, email, news, and social media as soon as you wake up. News changes at the speed of light these days, but your messages and emails will still be there after you have completed your new healthy morning ritual.
Drink A Glass of Water
Sleep is meant to be restorative. While you sleep, your body is still carrying out many essential functions. It naturally metabolizes toxins in your system overnight, so drinking plenty of water in the morning will help your body flush out these toxins and rehydrate the cells and organs in your body.
Eat A Healthy Breakfast
Although it might be tempting to make sausage and pancakes, it has little nutritional value per calorie. There are much better options. Eating a healthy breakfast will require planning. Your body needs food with high nutritional value in the morning. A healthy choice like yogurt, fruit, or a protein shake is a much healthier option to start your day.
Make A “To-Do” List
The best time to make your to-do list is before you go to bed. Your brain is not in a high-functioning state first thing in the morning. First thing in the morning may not be the best time to decide what your priorities for the day are. Writing the list before you go to bed can help get some of your priorities off your mind allowing your mind to rest better. You will also wake up with a sense of purpose, already knowing what you want to accomplish that day.
Meditate and Exercise
There are many techniques for meditation from mindful breathing to yoga. The purpose of meditation is to achieve mental clarity and emotional stability. Many meditation techniques take just a few minutes. Exercising first thing in the morning can be challenging to most people but is the best way to jumpstart your mind and body. Increasing the flow of blood and oxygen through your body will make an impact on your entire day. You may not be able to exercise every morning so try alternating meditation and exercise.
Continue Your Healthy Routine Throughout The Day
A healthy morning routine is essential to physical and mental wellness. Creating a healthy morning routine can further your mind and body while setting you up for a positive day. Continue your healthy habits during the day by finding small ways to live a healthy lifestyle. Above all, be kind to yourself during these challenging times! Don’t feel guilty as you work on reaching your self-improvement goals. Sometimes, the road to success is one step forward and two steps back.
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