Part of an effective morning is refining your morning routine. The combination of morning routines are endless, so whether your mornings currently consist of unpredictable scattered events or if you already have a consistent flow of tasks, it never hurts to adapt your routine to maximize your morning and create an effective launchpad into your day. Here are seven healthy suggestions to introduce to your morning routine that your body will thank you for:
1. ACTIVATE YOUR INNARDS
Lemon water for your body is like oil for the Tinman. It lubricates your internal system and is an excellent way to wake up your body. The first thing your body ingests sets your mood for the entire day. Water itself serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal track and peristalsis, meaning the muscle in the intestinal wall contracts and pulses to keep things flowing. The lemon engages the digestive system, which increases metabolism and prepares your digestion for coming meals. Lemon, although acidic outside your system, becomes a high alkalizing substance that’s high in minerals and vitamins which combats toxins and loosens ama in your digestive system.
2. EAT BREAKFAST
Why people skip out on the most important (and yummiest) meal of the day is beyond me. A nutritious breakfast is one of the healthiest morning routines you can have! It will help you jump start your metabolism and provides you with the appropriate energy you need to get on with a busy day. If you’re trying to eat less, reduce your food intake near the end of the day when your digestion and metabolism naturally slows down.
3. BLEND SOME GREENS
The green part of your smoothie is what’s going to boost your morning energy levels. That’s because it will likely be spinach, kale, or some other leafy greens that provide phytonutrients, fiber, and minerals that your body turns into sustainable energy. Check back in with your body 30 minutes after drinking it and notice how much better you feel.
4. DO A STRETCHING ROUTINE
A simple 5-minute stretch in the morning will wake your muscles up and get them ready for the day ahead. Be sure to listening to what your body wants. Modify your stretches accordingly to be more in-tune with what your body needs.
5. GET MOVING
Jumpstart your cells by doing a quick morning exercise. Anything will do to get your blood flowing. Jog, walk, dance, yoga, dust off that basketball, the options are endless. For inspiration to get your morning moves on, check out our Fitness Pinterest Board.
6. CONNECT, LAUGH & TALK
Nourish the soul is just as important as nourishing our physical body. The lack of human contact often contributes to feelings of anxiety and stress. Reach out to a friend or colleague in the morning by sending an email, a text, calling or simply talking with someone even a total stranger. Connecting to another physical being produces serotonin which combats stress and fuels creative and productive energy.
7. SAY “I LOVE YOU”
Simply saying, “I love you” causes a slight increase in adrenaline, epinephrine, norepinephrine pumping through your body. In effect, your heart beats quicker increasing blood flow and lowers your cortical levels. These three little words have the power to change a mood and provoke loving actions within yourself and those who you’re loving on.
Stay tuned for more morning routines that focus on gaining mental clarity, productivity and getting work done. We’re always curious to try new things and would love to hear what morning rituals have worked for you! Do you already a morning routine you love? Share it with us in the comments.
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