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10 Tiny Morning Habits for a Happier, Healthier You
Are you looking to start your day off on the right foot? Incorporating a few simple morning habits into your routine can make a big difference in your overall well-being. By taking just a few minutes each morning to focus on self-care and positivity, you can set the tone for a happier and healthier day ahead. Here are 10 tiny morning habits that can help you achieve just that:
1. Wake up with gratitude
As soon as you open your eyes, take a moment to think about something you are grateful for. It could be as simple as the warm sunlight streaming through your window or the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Starting your day with gratitude sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Stretch your body
Before jumping out of bed, take a few minutes to stretch your body. Stretching helps improve flexibility, increases blood flow, and releases tension. It’s a great way to wake up your muscles and prepare them for the day ahead.
3. Hydrate with a glass of water
After a night of sleep, your body needs hydration. Start your day by drinking a glass of water to rehydrate and kickstart your metabolism. You can even add a squeeze of lemon for an extra detoxifying boost.
4. Practice deep breathing
Take a moment to focus on your breath and practice deep breathing. Deep breaths help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and increase oxygen flow to your brain. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
5. Move your body
Engage in some form of physical activity, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick yoga session, or a set of jumping jacks, getting your body moving in the morning boosts your energy levels and sets a positive tone for the day.
6. Set intentions for the day
Take a moment to reflect on what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel throughout the day. Setting intentions helps you stay focused and motivated. Write down your intentions in a journal or simply say them out loud to yourself.
7. Enjoy a healthy breakfast
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that fuels your body and mind. Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A balanced breakfast provides you with the energy you need to tackle the day ahead.
8. Practice mindfulness or meditation
Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness or meditation. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on the present moment. Allow any thoughts or worries to pass without judgment. Mindfulness and meditation help reduce stress and increase mental clarity.
9. Connect with loved ones
Reach out to a loved one and let them know you’re thinking of them. Send a quick text, make a phone call, or even schedule a video chat. Connecting with loved ones first thing in the morning strengthens your relationships and boosts your mood.
10. Practice self-care
Take a few minutes to prioritize self-care. This could be as simple as applying a face mask, reading a few pages of a book, or enjoying a cup of herbal tea. Taking care of yourself sets the tone for a day filled with self-love and positivity.
Remember, it’s the small habits that add up to make a big difference in your overall well-being. By incorporating these tiny morning habits into your routine, you’ll be on your way to a happier and healthier you.
Health Experts Say These Morning Habits Do Wonders For Your Brain Health And Mood As You Age: ‘Neurobics’ And More
The way you start your day on a regular basis can make all the difference in your overall health. And this isn’t just true of your physical health; starting each morning off on the right foot with a great routine is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing, as well. The health of your brain may become an especially large priority as you age and your risk of brain disease increases. Luckily, adding some healthy habits to your morning routine is one fantastic way to keep your mood and cognitive functions great shape.
So, what are a few of the best morning habits out there to keep your brain functioning to the best of its ability? To find out, we spoke to registered psychologist Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc. He told us that working neurobics (brain exercises), mindful affirmations, and physical exercises with a cognitive twist into your morning routine is a great way to go. Find all of his expert insight below.
1. Neurobics (brain exercises)
You likely already know that a killer morning workout routine can do wonders for keeping your body fit. But are you aware of the benefits of exercising your brain? Mitchell sings the praises of brain exercises called neurobics.
“Neurobics are brain exercises that involve using your senses in new and novel ways,” he says. “Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, or get dressed with your eyes closed. These simple activities stimulate neural pathways and can enhance mental agility and memory.”
Other neurobic exercises including eating your breakfast with your eyes closed or counting your breaths out loud. While many options may sound like quirky habits, they can have real benefits on your brain. Try ’em out!
2. Mindful affirmations
The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are practically endless. Not only can practicing mindfulness reduce stress levels and, in turn, potentially reduce your risk of disease, but it can also have long-term benefits on the health of your brain.
Your personal meditation practice can be as simple as a few minutes of affirmations each day. “Start your day with a 5-minute mindful meditation session,” Mitchell suggests. “However, instead of the traditional approach, try incorporating positive affirmations that target memory and mood. For instance, use phrases like My memory is sharp or I feel positive and energetic. This not only calms the mind but also sets a positive tone for cognitive functions throughout the day.” So simple—but so effective!
3. Physical exercise with a cognitive twist
Here’s a great habit that works both your body and brain. When you’re getting your exercise in the morning, Mitchell recommends adding a “cognitive twist” as a bonus for your brain.
“Engage in a morning walk or light exercise routine, but add a cognitive element,” he says. “For example, practice counting backwards from 100 in multiples of three or try memorizing the lyrics of a new song during your walk. This combination of physical activity and mental exercise is excellent for keeping both the brain and body agile.” Perfect!
The bottom line
All in all, keeping your brain as sharp as possible as you age will require a combination of healthy habits, including a healthy diet. None of the above habits alone can be miracle workers or ensure a perfect memory. However, making your cognitive health a priority and incorporating simple exercises like these into your daily routine is a great way to make strides towards a healthier brain and boosted mood in the long run.
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