You could say we’re a little obsessed with morning routines. That’s because how you spend the first few minutes (or hours) of being awake sets the tone for the rest of your day. The right morning routine can even help you be more productive and feel happier and less stressed. Just ask CEOs and celebrities like Elon Musk or Oprah.
Keep reading for some of our favorite morning tips and rituals to help you start your day in a wellness-inspired way.
A successful day starts the night before.
If you want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead, start by making sure you get enough sleep. While most of us know we need around 8 hours of sleep to feel our best, we often forget to build time into our evening to wind-down and quiet our minds so we can actually fall asleep by the time our head hits the pillow.
Because the blue light emitted from screens limits the production of melatonin––the hormone that makes you fall asleep––experts recommend turning off screens at least one hour before you climb into bed. Yes, that means putting down your cell phone too. Instead of scrolling, try doing some gentle stretching or a short meditation to calm your nervous system and prepare your body for rest.
Let there be light.
If you feel groggy in the morning regardless of how much sleep you’re getting, try waking up with an alarm clock that simulates a natural sunrise like the Philips Smart Sleep. These types of alarm clocks start off by producing a soft morning red light that gradually turns to orange and then yellow, until your room is filled with bright light (usually over the course of 30 minutes). This gradual process allows your body to wake up more naturally instead of being jarred awake in the middle of a deep REM cycle.
Our Marketing Strategist, Brielle started using a Smart Sleep alarm clock several years ago and likes it so much, she even brings it with her when she travels. “I put it in my carry-on bag and set it up as soon as I get to the hotel or Airbnb. It makes a huge difference!”
Drink a glass of hot water.
A long-time practice in ancient Chinese medicine, drinking a cup of hot water first thing in the morning helps increase the blood circulation in your arteries and veins and warm up your digestive system. Increasing your blood circulation also helps to flush out toxins from your body and reduce painful muscle contractions and menstrual cramps.
Get moving.
Research shows starting your day off with some movement can have big, long-term health benefits. From being more focused throughout the day, to making healthier food choices, and sleeping better, getting moving in the morning is one of the most important parts of a supportive morning routine.
Do a quick Pilates practice, go for a walk, or head to the studio and take an in-person class. You’ll feel more energized throughout the rest of your day––and be able to enjoy your evening guilt-free.
Stretch your mental muscles.
Fitness isn’t just physical––it’s mental and emotional too. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate a mindfulness into your morning. If you aren’t doing a practice like Pilates that fuses movement with mindfulness, try adding a short meditation or journaling practice to your morning routine.
If you’re brand-new to journaling or meditation, it can be helpful to use a timer. Start with just five minutes a day and gradually increase it to ten or twelve minutes. Or, try journaling while you sip your morning coffee or tea. Pairing a new practice with something you’re already used to doing can help you begin to incorporate it into your daily routine in a sustainable, long-term way.
