Contributed by Gwen Lewis
There is nothing better than jump starting your morning in order to have a productive and happy day ahead. In fact, practicing a routine each morning that sets the tone for a healthy and happy day ahead has been cited as an effective way to be more successful and productive the whole day through. In this article, we explore different ways to wake up and kick things off in a healthy manner that’ll make a big difference in your day to come.
Hydrate
Starting your day off with a refreshing glass of water is a healthy way to ensure you feel energized. It’s also a great way to work towards your goal of getting at least eight cups in for the day! A cold glass will help you to feel more awake and it can also rev up your metabolism. Try adding a lemon to the mix and create lemon water. Fresh lemon not only adds flavor but a range of health benefits too!
Practice yoga
Even a short yoga routine in the morning can serve as a healthy and revitalizing way to wake up. Not only does it feel good to stretch out after a great night’s sleep, but yoga also has other benefits that you will reap all day long after a short morning sequence. For instance, it can help you be more disciplined about your fitness routine in general, it can give you more energy throughout the entirety of the day, and it can help you to feel clearer mentally. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of all those perks?
Be kind to your skin
Start the morning off with a skincare routine that will lead to an all-day glow. Begin by using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil from your face and to help promote circulation. Although many believe that toners should be applied at this step, sticking to using just a cleanser in combination with a natural soap is actually best for your glowing complexion. To keep your skin clear, smooth, and hydrated, use a cleanser (and moisturizer) that contains natural oils and ingredients that work to balance the pH levels of your skin and have astringent qualities.
After that, use a moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and soft all day long. Be sure to pay special attention when applying it around your eyes and mouth as those areas are especially prone to dryness. It is important to use products with natural ingredients as they are the kindest to your skin and are sure to make you feel good – inside and out!
Have a breakfast that will help you power through your day
Have a breakfast that will help you power through your day. Skip the sugary pastries and sugar ladened breakfast cereals and instead enjoy a breakfast that will give you a healthy start to the day. Enjoy a fuel-packed meal that consists of oatmeal, berries, and various tasty toppings. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants, oatmeal is a high-fiber morning meal that’s been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels, aid with digestion, and improve metabolism. It truly is a superfood. If you find oatmeal too bland you can jazz it up with honey, cranberries, raisins, coconut flakes, and pomegranate seeds either as delicious toppings or mixed through the oatmeal during the cooking process. Although oatmeal contains protein you can give it a protein boost by adding chopped nuts. Walnuts in particular not only provide a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, they also lower cholesterol levels and are protective against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes and even cancer. The Chinese believe that walnuts warm up the kidneys and increase Yang energy (the energy of getting things done!). What more could you ask for?
Say a positive affirmation
It may sound silly, but something as simple as saying a positive affirmation when you wake up can have a big effect on the course of the rest of your day. An affirmation as short and sweet as “today will be a good day”, or “I will have a positive attitude” can make all the difference in your frame of mind. Setting the right tone is all in your head and waking up and immediately having a positive thought can make a great day an easy reality.
Start your day the healthy way and you will soon find that these simple tricks will provide you with a more fulfilled and happy life. Creating a morning routine that centers around health and wellness can do a world of good and can make waking up your favorite part of the day!
