REDUCE STRESS WITH A HEALTHY MORNING ROUTINE
Manage stress with a good morning routine
The choices we make first thing in the morning have a big impact on our stress levels and mood. In turn these can affect what we eat and drink. They can also determine whether we have enough energy to exercise. The choices we make in the first 10 minutes of each morning set the tone for the rest of the day. If we turn on a screen and make the news, social media, or email the priority first thing after waking up, we lose control of how we start the day. This can negatively impact the rest of our day. But if we choose to spend a few minutes stretching or doing breathing exercises, we start the day off on the right foot.
Having a morning routine will positively impact the rest of your day
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. Your health habits, diet, environment, and even your thoughts influence your cortisol levels. High levels negatively impact your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, immune system, sleep, mood, memory, and much more. In the morning your cortisol levels are high but you can reduce them by drinking a glass of water, eating a healthy breakfast or doing some breathing exercises.
What is the best morning routine for managing stress?
We are all different so it is important to find a routine that works for each of us. Some people like to exercise first thing in the morning and others prefer to meditate or stretch. Different routines work for different people. Here is a good example of a morning routine that helps to manage stress and start the day in the right way:
Drink a large glass of water
Practice 5 minutes of meditation or stretching
Wait at least 10 minutes after waking up before looking at screens
Have a healthy breakfast
Create a daily to-do list
Breaking it down:
After 8 hours of sleeping our bodies are a bit dehydrated, so it’s a good idea to start the day with a large glass of water. This will help the digestive system and it’s good for your joints. Meditation, breathing exercises or stretching all relax the body, helping to reduce our stress levels and blood pressure, while boosting our positivity. Starting the day looking at mobile devices or computers is not healthy as it can increase our stress levels. This unnecessary stress can negatively impact our mood and drive unhappiness. Instead of looking at screens in the first 10 minutes of your day, prepare yourself a healthy breakfast. A healthy breakfast helps bring the cortisol levels back to normal. However, skipping breakfast or consuming sugary or processed foods can increase cortisol levels. Lastly, create a daily to-do list. Writing down your tasks in a systematic manner helps you control your day.
Do you experience difficulties following a good morning routine?
If you struggle with your routine or experience difficulties adopting new habits, we encourage you to study these 11 habits. These habits form the basis for success. Behind each one you will find guidance around how you can introduce that new habit into your daily routine.