A morning routine can help set the tone for a successful day. On the other hand, allowing the day to go unplanned can leave room for stress and wayward thoughts. For those looking to find their Zen and declare good vibes on their day, a few additional steps in the morning could lead to more centered days.
If you are someone who finds yourself off-balance each morning, you may benefit from having a morning routine. While there is no right or wrong way to schedule, allowing time for the mind and body to completely awaken is key. Sleep is a complex action with multiple parts of the body and brain at play. Allowing each system to become alert can help eliminate that groggy feeling.
Meditation
While meditation is not a new practice, it is becoming increasingly popular amongst millennials. Some may see it as an eccentric practice, however there is science behind the benefits of meditating. A 2015 study released by the Department of Neurology and School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows regular meditation can improve cognitive functions like attention, memory, speech, processing speed and overall cognitive health. Meditation is not exclusive to mornings as it can happen any time of the day and does not take a lot of time.
Sometimes intertwined, prayer and meditation are two very similar methods of calm. Both require stillness and quiet in order to get the full benefits from each. Prayer, for those who believe in a higher power, is how many begin their day. While prayer can happen aloud, praying silently is a stillness that can already be reached though calm.
After awakening the mind, the body comes next. Get creative and get the body moving. Opening up the body through movement helps blood and oxygen flow. It also releases serotonin, the happy chemical, in the brain.
Yoga
The practice of yoga can help achieve inner peace. The morning leaves the body ripe for movement to help open the joints and other systems. Another ancient practice made current by millennials, yoga stretches the body and also incorporates aspects of meditation. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, yoga can improve strength, balance and flexibility all while aiding in pain relief. Yoga also has sleep and heart health benefits. Similarly with other forms of exercise, yoga helps to increase energy and can lead to leaner muscles.
Sex
Let’s talk about sex, baby. Although this activity is a fun way of playing with your partner, it also has major health benefits for the body. Sex can eliminate stress and serve as a mood booster for the day. Climaxing releases both oxytocin and dopamine, another happy chemical in the brain. This is particularly great in the morning before the regular schedule settles in. If the activity is rambunctious, sex can serve as a light workout. The body can burn, for women, up to 70 calories per minute and for men, up to 100 calories per minute. No wonder they are always losing weight.
Refueling
What is a morning routine without breakfast? The next step to a stress-free morning routine is refueling the body. Eating a full breakfast will help provide energy to the body for the day. Choosing foods rich in protein, vitamins and other nutrients help the body in more ways than one.
Eggs: Scrambled, over easy or in omelet form, eggs make the body feel fuller for longer. They are also a versatile start to the morning as they can be served in a number of ways. Certain antioxidants in eggs can also help protect the eye against disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Oatmeal: Cereal lovers can indulge in this hot approach and is another great choice to fuel the body. Rich with fiber, oatmeal aids the digestive system and can reduce the chance of getting upset tummies. Allowing for a fuller feeling for the day, oatmeal is rich in antioxidants which may also benefit heart health and decrease blood pressure.
No matter how you choose to start the day, staying mindful is key and sticking to your morning routine does help.
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