What it Means to Have a Healthy Morning

Ah, mornings. We all have a different response to the word morning. For some of us, it causes utter joy and excitement at the start of a brand new day, where you are looking forward to all of the new opportunities that lie ahead.

If mornings make you recoil in disgust, you’re not alone. But what is the root of your distaste for mornings?

What if you were to take a different approach, not focusing on a morning being good or bad, but on being healthy. So what does that look like? Let’s break down the blueprint for a truly healthy morning.

A Good Night’s Sleep

The key to a great morning actually starts the night before. You’ve probably heard people tell you on and on about the importance of a good night’s sleep, but what does that really mean?

Sleep is actually one of the most important aspects when we look at overall health and wellness. A lack of sleep can cause all sorts of things to go wrong in the body including a messed up metabolism, mood swings, headaches, and most of all, irritability.

Getting that full 7 or 8 hours a night could be the difference between a really bad day and a really good one. Set an alarm for when you need to go to sleep and turn all distractions off so you can focus on catching those z’s.

Drink Enough Water

Another pillar of health, drinking enough water is essential to all of your major organ functions. It gives you glowing skin, assists in regulating body temperature, aids in regular digestion, and boosts your metabolism.

Dehydration causes headaches and once again, irritability. Start your day off right by drinking a huge glass of water right at the top of the morning since your body has been dehydrated for hours last night. Then, you can go ahead and prepare yourself a large water bottle to keep with you so that you can rehydrate throughout the day.

A Healthy, Balanced Breakfast

Though a donut can sound like the best thing in the world when you wake up, it can lead to a serious blood sugar crash before your lunch break and leave you feeling hungrier than before.

Eating a healthy breakfast that’s filled with fiber and protein can give you the energy you need to carry you through to lunch. This can be a good bowl of oatmeal with some fruit, yogurt with berries, or a healthy omelet (if you have the time.)

Even if you don’t have time for a full hot meal, don’t underestimate the power of breakfast and try not to skip it. Eating breakfast within one hour of waking up kickstarts your metabolism and can curb cravings later on in the day.

Get Your Body Moving

We’re not saying you have to go for a five-mile run, but moving your body around a little bit before you get going can help increase the blood flow and make waking up a bit easier. Do a quick, short yoga session, or just do a simple series of stretches.

This can keep you limber and strong and prepare your body for the day that lies ahead. Plus, that rush of endorphins can fight against morning grumpiness.

Do What Feels Good

No matter what morning routine you end up settling on, make sure to do the things that make you feel better. Set some intentions, move around, hydrate yourself, and set yourself up for success by going to sleep earlier the night before.

A healthy morning looks different for everyone, but it always works if you make yourself a priority first thing in the morning.