Are you sluggish in the morning, and wish you had more energy to start your day? There are some things that you are not doing, or doing incorrectly in the morning that may be contributing to your not getting your day off right. Here is the ideal morning routine for you to make it a perfect day.
Hydrate
Water is the body’s most vital substance. In fact, you can go several weeks without, food but only a few days without water. The reason is that water is a key component in everything from our DNA to our skin. Additionally, we require near constant hydration to help all of our bodily functions to work properly.
After your eight hours sleep, your body is very dehydrated. Most people do not realize this and as a result, very few drink water when they wake up. But drinking clean water is exactly the thing you need to do. Because after going so long with water, one of the first things your body needs is some hydration. When you do hydrate, it jump starts your metabolism, gives you energy, and prepares your digestive system for your first meal of the day.
Take a long shower
A shower in the morning is a very smart idea. The water helps to loosen muscles, relax you, and make your brain function better. Many people like to have a warm shower to really help their muscles relax. Others like it cold which helps to invigorate the body and the mind. While others vary the temperature to get a bit of both sets of benefits. Whichever shower technique you choose, give the water time to work its magic.
If you are not comfortable with showering because you’re concerned about slipping, are older, or have a health condition that makes it difficult for you to stand, consider installing a stylish walk in shower in your home. They allow you to easily get in and out of the shower and to sit while you bathe. With a walk in shower, you can enjoy the water as long as you like, safely.
Eat
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yes this is an old saying, but it is based on fact. Most people have gone 10+ hours without eating by the time they wake up and their digestive systems are near empty. The body at this point is running on reserves and taking energy from other areas to supply energy to your basic functions. The body prioritizes where it will steal energy to feed its critical areas. One area it steals from is certain brain functions and your muscles, so you feel sluggish mentally and physically. So you need to eat breakfast in the morning. Have a lighter balanced meal that includes some fruit, a whole grain cereal or toast, and an egg or other lean protein. This will get your digestive system moving, and some nutrients into your system, but not fill you up and slow you down.
Light Stretching
As we sleep, the body assumes many positions. Some are stretched out and others are twisted, or other less than optimal contortions, that can create discomfort during our waking hours. A smart way to avoid this is to do a light morning stretch. Stretching allows the body to decompress bones, muscles and tendons and get them back in their proper alignments. Your stretch should target all of the major muscle groups including your arms, legs, back and neck. You should stretch slowly and as deep as you can. Give yourself ten to fifteen minutes and play soothing music to help you relax as you stretch.
Go through this routine every morning and you will have the perfect start to your day.