I have to admit, as a (former) woman in the workforce who also commuted, I thought being a homemaker would be a piece of cake. How hard could it be when my stepson was already 12, my husband worked from 5-5 and I had all day to get things done at my leisure. In reality, day after day, time was escaping me and next to nothing was getting done. I didn't understand how I was so productive as an employee, but I was floundering as a homemaking.
One day, I sat down and compared how I used to start my day at work and how I started my day at home. What I realized was, because I knew I had to commute, I had meetings, I had grocery shopping to do, etc. I planned for those things. Not only on paper, but mentally and physically as well.
The way we start our day, from the moment the alarm goes off, is really important. Our morning habits are what set us up for the day, and can make or break our energy, our mood, and so much more. What I'm sharing isn’t just a list of healthy habits to add to your morning routine, but ways to increase your wellness, health, and wellbeing from the moment you wake up.
Always Drink Water First
One of the healthiest changes you can make to your morning routine is by drinking water first thing. You don’t have to completely give up your caffeine if you don’t want to, but drinking a full glass of water before you drink anything else is really important for your body and your health.
As someone who has gone thought menopause, I can tell you the morning dehydration is real! After sleeping for 6 hours or longer, and not having any water, I'm very thirsty. Like many people, I used to make the mistake of having coffee or other beverages in the morning because I wanted to quench my thirsty and get a jolt of caffeine. But the problem is that these can often make dehydration even worse.
The best thing you can do for your body in the morning is drink water first, then decide if you still want something else to drink. If you are trying to cut back on caffeine, consider tea or green juice. I switch between store bought and homemade depending what I have on hand.
Get Some Fresh Air
Try to get outside in the morning! It is amazing how therapeutic and soothing it can be just to be outside in the cool, morning air within the first hour of waking up. It can also make you more alert and naturally energize you in ways you might not have considered. This is especially important if you work from home and don’t have a reason to go outside in the morning. You need to make this a priority!
Find a way to create a morning habit where you go outside. This can be taking your morning glass of water and a good book out to your patio or balcony or going for a quick stroll around the block. I find the morning is the best time to water outdoor plants and flowers, or take indoor plants outside.
Increasing Your Positive Energy
Positive energy is all in your mindset and how you approach different things throughout your day. There are certain habits that can help tremendously with boosting positive energy during your early morning routine, including:
Meditation
Breathing exercises
Being mindful
Gratitude practice
Journaling
Listening to music
Write out your to-do list, so you don't feel overwhelmed later.
Consider how you can add some of these healthy ways to start your day to your morning routine to boost your positive energy first thing in the morning.
Minimize Stress in the Morning
When you experience any form of stress early in the morning, it tends to follow you around for the rest of the day. It is often something very innocent, such as scrolling social media or checking your other notifications. Try to keep any possible stress triggers out of your morning routine, until you have given yourself time to wake up in a soothing and relaxing way.
At the very least, try to turn off notifications on your phone, so that when you wake up all you see or hear is your alarm. Keep them turned off until you have gone through your morning routine and are in a relaxed, stress-free state. You can then decide if and when you will turn them back on and let all the noise back in.
Relax in a Long Shower
On mornings when you have a little more time, use your shower as time to relax and get ready for the day. Hot water in the morning has an amazing way of waking you up, but it can also soothe sore and tired muscles, give you a place to be mindful, and help you wake up in the gentlest way possible.
You don’t have to do this every single morning, but on those mornings when you woke up early and have a bit of extra time. It is a great way to practice self-care. Something else that would be good for this morning shower is using shower steamers, which produce essential oils for aromatherapy. Also, try an invigorating or refreshing body wash.
Release Thoughts With a Brain Dump
Finally, get some of those anxious and worrisome thoughts out of your head with a brain dump. This is a style of journaling where you write down anything that you have on your mind at that time. It is completely normal to think of several topics at once, so just keep writing until you feel like you have exhausted everything that was on your mind in the morning.
Healthy Ways to Start Your Day-In Conclusion
In conclusion, starting your day in a healthy way sets the tone for a productive and positive day ahead. Incorporating habits such as drinking water, journaling, and engaging in physical activity can provide you with the energy and focus needed to tackle any challenges that come your way. Additionally, taking time for self-care and mindfulness in the morning can promote overall well-being and reduce stress levels. By making these small changes to your morning routine, you are prioritizing your health and setting yourself up for success. So why not give it a try? Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle by implementing these healthy habits into your mornings and experience the difference it can make in your life.