Mornings can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on whether you consider yourself a morning person….or an “I can barely force myself out of bed” kind of person. (Some days that is definitely me!) Either way, there are some great morning habits that can make your morning routine a jumping off point for a great day! Set the tone for a healthy week by starting your morning off right. Make self care a priority, and recognize that setting a strong foundation with a healthy morning is a perfect place to start. Try these tips below:
1.Drink Lemon Water
After we have been sleeping and fasting from food and water throughout the night, our bodies are dehydrated and need water when we wake up. Drinking lemon water is a great way to give your body fluid, as well as detox and jump start your digestive system by stimulating your liver. Lemon water also can improve oral health by activating your salivary glands and killing off bad bacteria. Drink 500ml of warm lemon water right after waking up.
2. Morning Stretches
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching in the morning to increase blood flow to the muscles after sleeping. Stretching can also help eliminate aches and pains that can occur in the morning as a result of resting your body for a long period of time. Adding in a quick stretching routine in the morning can help loosen up your muscles before you start your day and lead to improvements in posture and flexibility. Especially if you sit a lot at work, make sure to get the body moving with some stretches after you wake up!
3. Take a Multivitamin
So many of us do not get enough nutrients into our daily diet, and taking a vitamin every morning can help with that. Make it a part of your routine so you do not forget and take it first thing in the morning. There are some amazing gummy vitamins that actually taste good and can give you extra nutrients to make sure your body has what it needs. Does anyone else remember the horrible tasting vitamins we had to take when we were little? No more – tasty gummies are definitely the way to go! : ) There are even vegan options now if you following that lifestyle.
4. Diaphragmatic Breathing
With a stressful work day ahead of you, mornings can feel chaotic and stressful. Avoid starting your day in a stressful mindset by calming the mind and body with diaphragmatic breathing. Place your hands around your waist right at your belly button. Take a deep inhale for 4 counts and feel your stomach expand as you breathe air in, hold your breathe at a top for 2 counts and then exhale slowly for 6 counts. Repeat for 4 or 5 times first thing in the morning to activate your core muscle, reduce stress, and start your day the right way.
5. Morning Affirmations
Having a healthy strong body is important, and also having a healthy mind and mindset important as well. To start your day on a positive note, take a moment in the morning to think of a positive affirmation for your day. For instance the affirmation, “I believe in myself, I can do anything,” is a powerful mantra to repeat first thing in the morning before you take on your day. You can find lists of positive affirmations online – say it out loud or to yourself 3 times and feel empowered to start your morning.
I hope these tips help you hone some healthy morning habits for a strong start to your day!
xoxo,
Marielle Collins