Everyone knows how important it is to start your day off strong and to “wake up on the right side of the bed.” A morning routine sets the tone for the entire day, impacting productivity, mood, and overall well-being.
In recent years, scientific research has shed light on strategies for optimizing your morning routine, providing valuable insights on how to kick-start your day for maximum efficiency.
In this article, we will explore a scientifically backed morning routine that encompasses various aspects of physical and mental well-being, allowing you to make the most out of your mornings and set the stage for a productive day. However, keep in mind that every person is different and that the following routine may not work for everyone.
Rise and Shine with Natural Light
The way you wake up can significantly impact your energy levels throughout the day. While waking up to the bright sun pouring through your window probably sounds like the last way you would like to wake up, scientific research suggests that exposing yourself to natural light upon waking helps to regulate your internal body clock and will enhance your alertness throughout the day.
Research also shows that exposure to sunlight in the morning enhances natural melatonin production, helping people to fall asleep more easily at night. Incorporating natural light into your morning routine can be as simple as opening your curtains while you eat breakfast, going for a walk outside, or reading the morning paper on the patio.
Hydrate Your Body
After several hours of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Most people have woken up at least once feeling like death itself, only to quickly feel revived after drinking a glass or two of water.
Scientific research backs our subjective experience, reaffirming that rehydrating is crucial for overall health and cognitive function. The negative effects of dehydration are considerable: Dehydration can impair mood, attention, reaction time, and cognitive performance.
To optimize your morning routine, reach for a glass of water as soon as you wake up. Proper hydration helps energize your morning and ensures that your mind and body will be alert for any task the day may throw your way.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices have recently gained popularity and are often touted as a way to ensure unlimited productivity and focus throughout your day. While some of these claims may be slight exaggerations, practicing mindfulness in the morning has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve attention. Moreover, you don’t need to go full yogi and meditate for hours on end to reap the benefits of meditation: Research shows that people can gain many of the benefits of meditation in just 13 minutes a day.
For the price of less than a quarter of an hour a day, you can start your day off right, reduce your stress, and boost your focus all day long. Make sure to allocate just a few minutes each morning for your favorite mindfulness practice and reap its many rewards.
Fuel Your Body with a Nutritious Breakfast
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. Scientific research indicates that consuming a balanced breakfast positively affects overall cognitive performance, motor function, and memory in the short term. Additionally, research has linked habitual breakfast consumption with better long-term cognitive performance as well as academic achievement.
Therefore, it seems clear that a nutritious breakfast can be an invaluable tool for preparing your mind and body for the day. But what should your breakfast include? Experts suggest that a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in your breakfast can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function. Don’t be afraid of that big bowl of oatmeal with yogurt in the morning; it may just be the fuel you need to seize the day.
Incorporate Physical Activity
If you browse your social media feeds for long enough, you will invariably find some “productivity expert” flaunting their 5 a.m. workout. While it is true that engaging in physical activity in the morning can boost your mood, improve self-esteem, and enhance cognitive function, you do not need to wake up before dawn to reap the benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that exercise produces these effects in part because it stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of well-being.
Additionally, you do not need to adhere to any one specific type of workout to receive the benefits of physical activity in the morning. The health benefits of physical activity can be achieved through many moderate to vigorous physical activities; whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a full workout session, incorporating physical activity into your morning routine can set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Adopting an optimal morning routine based on scientific research can significantly enhance your overall well-being and productivity throughout the day. Incorporating elements such as exposure to natural light, hydration, mindfulness practices, a nutritious breakfast, and physical activity can set you on a path to success.
To build an optimal morning routine in a sustainable fashion, implement these evidence-based strategies into your morning routine one at a time. Choose to maintain the strategies that help you maximize your potential and make the most out of each day. Ensure that you choose the practices that you can sustain in the long term. After all, the optimal morning routine is one that you will actually follow.
A version of this article was published by The Daily Herald. It has been republished here with permission.
