Your morning can be that make-or-break time that sets you up for a good day or a bad day. Part of an effective morning is refining your morning routine. The combination of morning routines are endless, so whether your mornings currently consist of unpredictably scattered events or if you already have a consistent flow of tasks, it never hurts to adapt your routine to maximize your morning and create an effective launchpad into your day. Here are some healthy suggestions to introduce to your morning routine that your body will thank you for:

Wake Up Earlier

This is priority one because in order to fit in a fantastic morning you’re going to need some extra time compared to your current routine. If you’ve turned into a night owl because of the peace and quiet it affords, you’ll be equally satisfied by the same peace and quiet an early morning provides, and it’s simply a matter of shifting your personal time to the wee hours of the morning rather than late at night. The difference to your body is noticeable.

The Ideal Time to Wake Up;

Wake up in conjunction with circadian rhythms if possible. Civil twilight is a great time to wake up because there will be enough light to see, the birds are chirping, and you still have time to catch the sunrise if you’re keen. Since this time varies by the time of year, it may be more feasible during some seasons than others. Give yourself an hour and a half before you have to be out the door.

Drink a Glass of Warm Lemon Water

Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning is an excellent way to get your body going. It’s like oil for the Tinman as it goes to work lubricating all of your different internal systems.

You want the water to be warm so that it’s not a shock to your system first thing in the morning. The lemon will help get your digestive system ready for the coming meals and makes the water tastier. It doesn’t just cleanse your digestive system, but it’s also good for the immune system and ingredients in the lemon help to increase metabolism.You can add a bit of honey to it as
well if you want to cut down on some of the tartness.

Do a Stretching Routine

A simple 5-minute stretch in the morning will wake your muscles up and get them ready for the day ahead. Be sure to listening to what your body wants. Modify your stretches accordingly to be more in-tune with what your body needs.

You can also use this time to do a yoga routine, or an exercise routine, if you feel so inclined or are trying to lose weight. However, if you currently aren’t exercising regularly we recommend starting off with just some morning stretches until that becomes a habit, and then transitioning into yoga and other exercises when you organically start to feel like you could do more than just stretch.

Eat Breakfast

Many of us opt to skip breakfast thinking we are saving time. But depriving your body of adequate nutrients is definitely not a good way to start your day. Make it a habit to never leave your house without having your breakfast. Eggs are packed with proteins that boost your metabolism and they are quick and easy to cook in the morning. Other suggestions include lean meat or cottage cheese. A protein and a little fiber should be your first meal.

Blend Some Green

The green part of your smoothie is what’s going to boost your morning energy levels. That’s because it will likely be spinach, kale, or some other leafy greens that provide phytonutrients, fiber, and minerals that your body turns into sustainable energy. Check back in with your body 30 minutes after drinking it and notice how much better you feel.

Green Smoothie recipes Like; Spinach or Kale, Avacoda, Apple and Ginger Smoothie

Meditate for Few Minutes

Right now you should be in a really happy place, a green smoothie coursing through your digestive system, and all of the helpful things you’ve done should all be having a cumulative effect. There’s no better time to sit and clear your mind for a few minutes.

There’s also no right way to meditate, so if you’ve tried specific methods and didn’t really like it, it’s time to develop your own personal style. Choose a position that you find comfortable, and decide if you’d like music or not. Just sitting and listening to the silence can be enough for most.

Smile at Yourself in the Mirror for 30 Seconds

This is a can’t-miss way to boost your self-esteem, and once you get into the habit you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. It’s basically just a matter of designating some time as true “me time” and seeing a happy you reflected back in the mirror.

This works on a number of different levels, but at the core is the ability it gives you to talk right to the bigger part of yourself, the part that is running in the background and getting the important things done.

Connect, Laugh and Talk

Nourish the soul is just as important as nourishing our physical body. The lack of human contact often contributes to feelings of anxiety and stress. Reach out to a friend or colleague in the morning by sending an email, a text, calling or simply talking with someone even a total stranger. Connecting to another physical being produces serotonin which combats stress and fuels creative and productive energy.