6 Healthy Morning Habits
Mornings are my favourite time of day because they help set the tone for the rest of our day. From starting slowly to emphasizing a nourishing breakfast, here are 6 healthy morning habits.
Mornings are my favourite time of day. Although I don’t always wake up super early, I enjoy the morning time nonetheless.There are a few reasons why I love mornings. Mornings always feel like a fresh start. I love making my breakfast and having my little routine, and getting organized and ready for the day just feels downright good.
It’s the simple, little things we do each day that add up the most when it comes to our wellbeing, so today’s post is all about healthy morning habits.
6 Healthy Morning Habits
1. Don't Check your Phone Right Away
Most of us are very attached to our phones. They’re with us throughout the day, right before bed, and most of the time, immediately when we wake up. I’m guilty of checking my phone when I first open my eyes, but I notice an enormous difference in my focus, attention span, and even anxiety when I intentionally leave it be and don’t check it until I’ve completed a few other morning tasks.
Taking a break from our phones – even little breaks like this – can actually help improve our levels of happiness, believe it or not! Most of us don’t just check our phones for potential messages, but status updates, social happenings, and endless scrolling that can subconsciously lead to feelings of comparison and anxiety... and we haven’t even gotten out of bed!
Ideally, don’t check your phone for at least 30-60 minutes after waking up. Note how you feel after doing this for a few days. You can make this easier by placing your phone on the other side of your room (instead of your bedside table), or in another room entirely. Using your phone for an alarm? Consider using a regular ol’ alarm clock instead.
2. Start Slowly
When we start our mornings slowly, we notice the world around us so much more. Little things like sitting up in bed, taking a few deep breaths, and enjoying things like opening the blinds and letting the daylight in can make a huge difference in our mental and emotional wellbeing, and can set us up for a good rest of our day.
Every morning is different and sometimes we’re busy or rushed. If this is the case, try planning a task or two the night before to aid those rushed, running-out-the-door mornings!
3. Make Your Bed
This one is as simple as can be. I rarely leave my bed un-made anymore. Believe it or not, this simple habit helps set us up for a stress-free morning by tidying our space, which can promote a tidier mind. Our environment has a big impact on our state of mind, and it’s important to maintain it.
Going to bed in a clutter-free room is just as important as waking up and getting ready for the day in one. Best part? It takes less than a minute (unless you have 400 decor pillows). Even just thinking about a neatly-made bed makes my mind feel a little more at ease.
4. Drink Water
Hydrating first thing in the morning is one of the best habits we can have as we’re usually a little dehydrated upon waking. It can help us wake up and even provide a dose of caffeine-free energy (yep – often dehydration is felt as low energy levels).
If you’re a coffee drinker, try having a big glass of water before you pour yourself a mug.
5. Eat a Nourishing Breakfast
There’s no better way to start your day and no better habit to get into than having a digestion-nourishing, brain-fuelling, body-energizing breakfast.
3 things to keep in mind for the best breakfast is fat, fibre, and protein. These 3 help balance our blood sugar, maintain balanced energy throughout the day, and keep rollercoaster cravings in check. A bowl of sugary cereal simply isn’t going to set you up for a balanced day. Consider things like eggs, avocado, whole grain toast, nuts and seeds or nut butter, or steamed greens with turkey sausage if you have a bit more time (a salad in the morning is a-okay with me!), a nutrient-packed smoothie, Greek yogurt with fruit or granola.
6. Review Your To-Do List
This might just be my very favourite part of my daily morning routine, and one of the greatest habits I ever created for myself. It’s become a habit for me to always have my agenda nearby in the mornings, and often at night as well to prep me for the next day. In the mornings I review my to-do list that I may have written the night before, or I’ll add to it by writing down what I need to complete that I didn’t get done the day before. This helps keep us organized, on track, and less overwhelmed for the day ahead.
Do you do any of these things? Share your healthy morning habits below.