HEALTHY MORNING ROUTINE

MAGGIE O'MEARA

Having a solid morning routine sets the tone for the day and allows you to feel fresh and focused. Not only does having this practice make your health a priority, but a morning routine can also be essential for conquering your individual goals. A set ritual at the start of the day eliminates stress and enables you to relax while practicing healthy habits. One city that practices a morning routine is Moscow. The residents surveyed that they generally feel peaceful and calm on weekday mornings. One way they do this is by ritually jump-starting their mornings by enjoying a cup of coffee or tea for their well-being.1 Like the residents of Moscow, picking a healthy habit to stick to every morning can make your day feel less hectic, and more focused on your self-care. Below are a few ideas for you to add to your routine to have a morning of wellness:

Lemon Water

After multiple hours of sleep, your body is going to be de-hydrated. Start the morning with two glasses of water to re-hydrate your cells. Water flushes out toxins to promote healthy bowels in the morning. Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon in your water to enhance the taste as well as for some extra vitamin C. 

Stretch

Not everyone has time in the morning to fit in a full workout or run multiple miles. If you can’t exercise, get a little movement in through a couple of stretches. Your muscles will awaken, and you’ll increase blood flow so your body will be ready for the day. Try lacing your fingers together, reaching your arms over your head, and bending side to side to stretch your rib cage. Child’s pose is a favorite stretch that you can also do while you’re still in bed.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights age-related eye damage. Get your vitamin C through citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. Leafy green vegetables are another excellent source of eye-friendly vitamin C. Try making a spinach or kale salad with a lemon-based dressing to get this essential vitamin.

Meditate or Breathe

Starting the day with a little meditation or breathing can reduce stress and increase a sense of well-being. Taking anywhere from three to ten minutes to clear your mind and focus on your breath can be extremely beneficial for your day. Routinely doing this practice every morning is essential when you usually don’t have time the rest of the day to meditate or practice deep breaths.

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