Establish a Healthy Morning Routine with These Five Easy Habits
Did you know that you have a more significant influence over how you age than any other factor in your life? The World Health Organization estimates that 75 percent of your age is determined by factors within your control, such as your living and behavioral decisions, whereas your genetics defines only 25 percent. Keeping engaged both physically and mentally can have a huge positive impact on your physical and psychological well-being. With statistics and spring weather in your favor, try establishing a healthy morning routine with these five easy habits.
- Wake up gradually with a sunrise alarm clock.
Regular routines give you structure and consistency in your daily lives. This is especially important if you’re retired and no longer have a schedule set by the demands of work. With an alarm clock that simulates a gradual sunrise, you can start your day off more naturally. This advantageous approach gets your mind engaged earlier to help you have improved memory and focus throughout the day ahead.
- Drink water as soon as you wake up.
Hydrating with a few glasses of water first thing in the morning helps boost your well-being. When you drink water on an empty stomach, you enjoy many health benefits. Water helps:
- rehydrate your body and maintain regular bowel movements
- stimulate the faster growth of red blood cells and increase your alertness
- fuel your brain, which is comprised of over 70 percent water
- flush out all the toxins your body stores overnight and help keep your skin healthy and radiant
- jumpstart your metabolism and improve your digestive system (and reduce food cravings)
- fight against infection (important in keeping your colon and bladder healthy)
- balance your immune system, helping keep sickness and viruses at bay, and
- promote healthy hair growth.
- Stretch and do some light exercises to get your blood flowing.
Achieving greater flexibility is within reach. Get the most from your stretching sessions by priming first with a warm bath or shower or light walk. Then devote about 30 seconds per tension spot for gentle stretches accompanied by slow, deep breaths. Additionally, practicing yoga, particularly in the morning, can be very beneficial. Taking a 30-minute walk after stretching can also be an effective workout.
- Eat a healthy breakfast that will give you energy for the day.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and has a significant impact on overall health. Kickstart your mornings with a nutritious breakfast. Consider a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal topped with fresh berries and a spoonful of peanut butter. Try a yogurt smoothie or an egg-white omelet for a healthy protein boost. Even if you are not an early riser, eating a substantial breakfast can help regulate blood sugar levels and give your body the boost it needs to start moving.
- Spend time outside in the morning sun.
There is a scientific explanation for why going outside in the light makes you feel better. Serotonin is the hormone that elevates your emotions and supports keeping you calm. Sunshine boosts your body’s amount of serotonin. Regular sunlight exposure may also aid your immune function by boosting your Vitamin D. So go ahead, start your day on the bright side.
Springpoint Choice is Your Good Health Partner
Interested in establishing more healthy routines? Become a Springpoint Choice member and enjoy access to a personal care navigator and a full spectrum of senior care solutions, including many of our LivWell programs and classes. Contact us to learn more.