Rise and shine: Simple steps for a better morning
Published on Thu Jul 6 2017 in Lifestyle
Are your mornings rushed and stressful? Sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough time in the morning to get up and out the door. If this sounds like you, it may be time to upgrade your morning routine. Here are six tips for starting your day on the right foot.
Prep the night before.
A good morning actually starts the night before. Taking some time before you go to bed can help set the tone for your morning. Small changes, like packing lunches or ironing tomorrow’s clothes, can save you time in the morning.
Go to bed on time.
Getting enough good quality sleep is an essential part of health. If you constantly find it tough to wake up, chances are you aren’t getting enough sleep. Climbing into bed just a half hour earlier may be all you need. Already getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours, but still tired? Talk to your GP. A sleep test may revel health issues that are undermining your sleep quality.
Skip the snooze button.
Speaking of sleep, hitting the snooze button is a clear sign that you’re not getting enough. But attempting to steal a few extra minutes in the morning is not a good idea. Falling back asleep starts a new sleep cycle that cannot be completed in a short amount of time. Waking up in the middle of a cycle can leave your body confused and groggy for up to four hours! Instead, set your alarm for when you need to get up, and actually get up when it goes off. Eventually, your body will start to adjust to this consistent routine. You may even find it easier to fall asleep at night too.
Drink a glass of water.
It’s common to wake up dehydrated after a long night’s rest. A glass of water will re-hydrate your cells, helping raise your alertness and providing energy. Drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach can also boost your metabolism and help with weight loss.
Stretch.
Exercising in the morning can provide many body benefits, but you don’t have to fit in a whole work out to see the benefits. A few minutes of stretching each morning can yield similar results. Morning stretches can help decrease aches and pains, increase blood flow to the brain, and boost energy. Not sure where to start? A basic yoga routine is a good place to start.
Eat a healthy breakfast.
As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A regular morning meal refuels your body, kick starting metabolism and providing energy throughout the day. Eating breakfast can even help with weight loss, reducing your chances of over-consuming high kilojoule foods later in the day. For the best results, include a healthy protein that will leave you feeling full for longer.
With a bit of planning and preparation, your mornings can go from crazy to peaceful. Is there anything you do to start your day off right? Share your tips with us on Facebook!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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