Any time of year is the perfect time to develop healthy habits. Living a healthy lifestyle begins the moment you hear the alarm and open your eyes. Waking up on the right side of the bed can truly make a difference in your mood throughout the day.
We know an organized and efficient morning routine will not only help you get to work on time but will also give you a sense of relaxation as you start your day, knowing what is ahead and exactly how much time you have to get ready. Here are five tips for the perfect morning routine:
1. Don't Snooze Your Alarm
Each time you reset the snooze button, your brain gets more and more confused. This can lead to you feeling even more groggy and fuzzy in the morning, even though you spent more time in bed. Even worse, this feeling of disarray can last for up to two to four hours, which is definitely not worth 9 extra minutes. So next time you hear your alarm, try to slowly wake up and turn it off, rather than telling your brain it's time for sleep again. We know getting out of bed can be hard, but give this slow wake-up routine a chance before you slam that snooze button. Your body will thank you in the end!
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We all know water is good for us, but should it replace that early-morning cup of coffee? Experts say that drinking a cold glass of water right when you wake up can have similar benefits to having caffeine. After going without water all night, a few sips can easily hydrate your body while also helping with digestion and metabolism. As we sleep, our bodies can become dehydrated and starting the day with a glass of water can help us feel more energized and refreshed.
3. Make Your Bed
We all heard this phrase from Mom growing up. Although making your bed can be tedious, this two-minute activity actually helps our brain get adjusted as we start the day. Cleaning up the clutter in your bedroom will help you stay organized, leaving a positive impact on your well-being and behavior throughout the rest of the day. Making your bed can also give you the sense of accomplishment and encourage you to complete other tasks as you start your day.
4. Start with a Stretch
Our muscles tend to lose tone overnight after being inactive for many hours. Stretching can help massage our muscles and gently help them back into their normal position. With our low levels of physical activity at night, a good, solid stretch in the morning can help lengthen and relax your muscles, while also improving flexibility. Our energy levels can improve with a little extra movement in the morning, plus stretching can increase blood flow to the brain — helping us get moving mentally and physically!
5. Pump Up the Jams
Nothing wakes you up more like your favorite song on full-blast, but did you know that music can also put you in a better mood? Scientists have found that listening to music you enjoy releases dopamine and can help put an extra spring in your step, especially in the mornings. Start the morning off right by changing your alarm tone to your favorite song. Songs with a heavy bass and beat have also been found to boost confidence, which is a great way to start any day.
Changing up a routine you are used to might be hard, but starting with small, efficient changes is a good place to start.
