Realistic Healthy Morning Routine: How to Start Your Day Off Right

Waking up in the morning can be so hard.Think about the last time you woke up late, rushed through your morning, and felt frazzled or stressed for the rest of the day. It’s not a great start. . Sure, some people manage  to wake up at 5 am every morning, and have time to do a workout, mediation, shower, and 10-step skin care routine…some of us. Most of us don’t have that extra time every morning. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t also have a healthy and balanced morning routine. Having a simple and structured morning routine can help you feel more in control, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.The key to a healthier morning routine is making it realistic to you, and being consistent.  Here’s how to take care of your body, mind, and soul without feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Start the night before

Even though this is about morning routines, setting yourself up for success start the night before. Being able to limit expected factors will definitely make the mornings a lot smoother. If you know you want to take your lunch with you, pack it the night before so its ready to grab in the morning. If picking out clothes takes up a lot of your time in the morning, then try to pick out an outfit or two the night before. Eliminating extra steps will help you have a more productive morning.

Wake up at a consistent time.

Your body thrives on routines. You can regulate your circadian rhythm by waking up everyday at or around the same time every morning. If you’re trying to wake up earlier, allow yourself a few days for your body to adjust. Over time, your body will naturally start to wake up at your desired time.

Try to Stay Off of Your Phone.

Getting on your phone first thing in the morning can set a stressful tone to your day. Give yourself at least 15 minutes before checking those emails, texts, and social media. Everything else can wait. It’s more important to prioritize yourself that way you are able to start your day with a clear and positive mindset.

Move Your Body (At least a little)

You don’t have to have an intense workout routine in order to reap the benefits of morning movement. Just 5-10 minutes of light physical activity can make a huge difference. This could be stretching a little in bed, doing a simple yoga combination, or a short walk. Any movement will allow you to wake up your body, reduce stiffness, and improve your mood.

Nourish Your Body with Breakfast

Eating breakfast in the morning is sometimes the last thing on my mind…until i’m hungry later and feeling sluggish. To avoid this feeling, have some ingredients for a quick and nutritious breakfast. This could be

• Yogurt with nuts and berries
• Toast with cashew butter and bananas
• A smoothies or protein shake

The goal is to fuel your body so you stay full and energized throughout the morning.

5  Minute Mindfulness Activity

Eating breakfast in the morning is sometimes the last thing on my mind…until i’m hungry later and feeling sluggish. To avoid this feeling, have some ingredients for a quick and nutritious breGive yourself at least 5 minutes to be mindful and set the tone for your day. This could be 5 minutes of:

• Planning out your day: Taking a few minutes to outline your schedule, prioritize tasks, and set realistic goals can make your day feel more structured and manageable.
• Writing down your intentions for the day: Take a moment to jot down what you hope to accomplish and how you want to feel throughout the day. This simple practice can help you stay focused and motivated.
• Meditation: A short meditation session can ground you and reduce stress before the day begins. You don’t need to be an expert. You can either use a guided meditation from YouTube or just sit quietly.
• Breathework: Deep breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique or box breathing, can help calm your nervous system and increase mental clarity.

Give Yourself Some Grace

Forming new habits takes time, so be patient with yourself in the process. A healthy morning routine doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Even implementing just a few of these habits can make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day.