Whether you’re a morning person or not, your morning routine is of vital importance and directly affects the way the rest of your day progresses. The habits you set for yourself each morning can make or break your productivity and state of mind all throughout the afternoon and evening. By establishing a morning routine that prioritizes your physical and mental well-being, you can make sure all your mornings start off the right way. Here’s a look at some good practices to implement into the beginning of each new day.
When asked once where the true source of happiness can be found, accomplished scholar and practiced meditator Trinlay Rinpoche replied, “In clarity of thought.” It’s easy to instinctually associate meditation with its religious origins. However, in doing so, it also becomes easy to overlook its scientifically proven health benefits. Multiple studies have shown that meditation is a natural stress stabilizer and can boost your immune system health and psychological health. Start your morning off on the right foot by making time to simply be here and now in the present moment.
Additionally, meditation has been shown to lessen the density of gray matter in areas of your brain associated with stress and anxiety and has even been shown to help regulate depression, anxiety, bipolar and other mood disorders. Spending as little as 15 minutes every morning in a state of contemplative reflection might be just the thing you need to start the day right.
They don’t call it the most important meal of the day for no reason. Starting your morning with a well-balanced and nutritious breakfast is good for your physical health and helps set the tone for a healthy day moving forward. A veggie omelet or a bowl of oatmeal with fruit may be just what you need to supply your body with the right vitamins and nutrients to enjoy a lovely morning walk.
Fresh air and movement are two things guaranteed to lift your mood almost instantly, so it only makes sense to make time for a brisk walk outside first thing in the morning. Even just a quick walk around the block can be great to get your blood pumping, and the numerous health benefits it can yield are extraordinary, such as:
Whether you enjoy sitting down with the newspaper, skimming through a favorite book of poems or thumbing through the pages of a new novel, reading every morning is a great way to activate your mind and get it on track to tackle the demands of your day. Additionally, reading has been linked to reduced stress, increased mental stimulation and even improved memory in people aged 65+. Grab your morning cup of coffee or tea and curl up with something you love to read.
If you have a lot to accomplish on any given day, making a list of what has to get done can help you stay focused. Seeing in writing how you need to spend your time to be productive is a great way to stay on track. Just be sure to make your to do list manageable — don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations.
Enjoying a conversation with someone you love first thing in the morning can really add an element of companionship to your day, especially if you live alone. Whether in the form of calling a friend, texting your kids or chatting with neighbors, beginning your day with warm conversation helps set a positive tone.
In addition to making time to talk to the people you love, setting time aside to talk to the Lord in prayer every morning is a vital component of a day started off right. Be sure to set time aside to come before the throne of God, thank Him for the new day He has blessed you with and convey any worries or troubles that may be weighing on you.
How you choose to start your morning is ultimately up to you. If the items on this list don’t appeal to you, take some time to figure out what type of morning routine results in fulfillment and productivity throughout the rest of your day. Perhaps you prefer watching the news first thing in the morning or sitting down with a crossword puzzle. The key is finding what works for you and then making it a habit. At The Gardens at Barry Road, we want our residents to be healthy both physically and mentally and are happy to provide you with the freedom and autonomy you need to find what morning routines work best for you and implement them into your daily life.
