Waking Up the Right Way
The Power of Early Risers
It’s no secret, mornings are not for everyone. However, studies show the most successful people are notoriously early risers. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, wakes up at 3:45am every morning to exercise and brew his morning coffee. Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey usually wakes up around 6:00am to exercise, meditate and eat breakfast.
We can’t all be Oprah, but everyone can benefit from starting each day with productive habits. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm.” Start incorporating a healthy morning ritual into your routine to optimize your health, work and lifestyle.
Skip the Snooze
The best way to become a morning person is to make a habit out of it. Commit to waking up near the same time every day, and your brain will eventually do the work for you. Too much variation in your time to rise and shine will result in groggy mornings and a tempting snooze button.
Speaking of the snooze button, stay away from it! Let’s face it, that extra ten to thirty minutes in bed will not improve your energy levels. Instead, it will throw off your regular wake-up time and possibly make you even more tired.
If you find yourself constantly tempted by the snooze button, try placing your alarm clock across the room. This forces you to get on your feet to turn it off. That small effort to get moving will keep you from pulling the cozy covers over your head.
Embrace the Morning Light
Natural sunlight sends a cue to our bodies that it’s time to start the day. Give your brain some extra motivation by pulling the curtains back as soon as it’s time to wake up. Focus on the morning light instead of immediately diving into your smart phone.
Reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up can hijack your morning bliss. Suddenly, you are more focused on everything you missed while you caught some precious Z’s . Unfortunately, this can frame sleep as a negative experience. Plus, that influx of notifications and emails can spike anxiety levels and throw off your morning mojo. Give yourself at least 30 minutes post alarm before you start scrolling.
Fuel Up and Get Moving
It’s tempting to head straight to the coffee pot on a groggy morning. While it’s perfectly acceptable to look forward to your morning brew, try to finish off a glass of lemon water before reaching for the mug. Re-hydrating after a good night’s sleep is always a good idea. Adding a slice of lemon or two will transform that morning glass into a vitamin-rich and mineral-packed experience for your body. The citrus zing can help wake you up, cleanse your system and boost your immunity.
Along with a tall glass of water, it’s important to make time for the most important meal of the day. Not a breakfast person? Try to have a small morning meal anyway. Even a light bite, like a yogurt parfait or toast with egg, will fuel your body to start the day right and help you focus.
Don’t forget to get moving! Whether it’s walking the dog, a gentle yoga routine or a full morning workout, find what moves you first thing in the morning. Exercise can increase energy levels and mental clarity to get you ready to tackle your to-do list.
Treat Yourself to a Morning Ritual
Starting a healthy morning routine ultimately means putting yourself first. A smooth morning leads to more positivity, productivity and energy throughout the day. Continue your journey of self-care by visiting us at Higher Health for an array of treatments to keep you feeling great!