HOW TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY MORNING ROUTINE

Hello beautiful people. How are you living?

Today we will be looking into something which can substantially change how we view our day little by little, because it is an essential part of the day. I know you might be thinking what’s that? Not to worry, I will fill you in on it. I will be sharing some tips on how to develop a healthy morning routine. Trust me, they are simple and easy, they just require a little push and consistency.

PLAN YOUR OUTFIT A NIGHT BEFORE

Having a 9-5 can be hectic especially if you live in Lagos, Nigeria. The unpredictable traffic, early mornings and little rest can be mentally draining if not properly handled.

Even as a business owner or freelancer, you would have days that require early mornings and so this tip comes handy for you too. Anxiety and mental stress messes with our thinking and productive side and should be reduced drastically.

One way to help reduce the stress and ensure a clear mind is leaving your home early; having your outfit figured out can help you achieve this.

Before falling asleep, arrange your next day outfit as well as the foot wear to fit. Sometimes I prepare my outfit for the entire week the weekend before.

WRITE OUT A TO DO LIST

Starting your day with a list of things to do according to their level of importance can help you make more productive decisions throughout the day. One reason for the list is to help remember things you might forget; it helps to put you on track. It can be on your notepad or your phone.

When your tasks are clearly written, it gives you a sense of direction and also helps you maximise your day without leaving out a task. You can also carry over activities that aren’t so important to the next day, so you do not feel overwhelmed.

STRETCH YOUR MUSCLES

The moment you open your eyes, always try to stretch your shoulder muscle to help your flexibility. There are some occasions we don’t sleep right due to certain sleeping postures. This small act can help. If you have enough time, you can do the same stretch for your leg muscles, and simple routines to stretch your entire body. On other days when you do not have early morning runs and meetings, a proper workout is great.

TAKE A GLASS OF WATER

The importance of water to the human body cannot be over emphasized . Water is life. Water helps with dehydration and flushes acids in the body. Wondering why water is so important in the morning? This should help clear the doubts.

So if you are someone who forgets to take water, please add it to your to do list. Water helps the body and the mind. Not just only in the mornings, but after every meal you consume during your entire day.

If you do not enjoy taking water, try spicing it up with a slice of lemon, pineapple or some mint leaves.

HAVE A SHORT QUIET TIME

You might be wondering why this tip is so important. Spending 15 to 30 minutes in quiet; whether doing structured meditation, or simply sitting silently with a cup of coffee contemplating the day, can broaden your perspective and give you a calmer and more proactive outlook on the day.

Meditation, prayer, yoga, and quiet time are all great practices that can get your day off to the right start. All the negatives we encounter in our everyday life can overshadow the good and positive that co-exist. You need some quiet time to allow your mind to renew itself. Savor the silence. Allow your thoughts to wander where they will and then draw back your attention to you.

INVEST IN A GOOD FACIAL CLEANSER

If you love your body, you invest it. Not just in physical appearance like clothes, shoes, wigs, and bags, but also your skin. The body is alive and if treated right, you enjoy it.

I am specific about the face this time because we subconsciously engage it more than some other parts of our bodies. We tend to always place our hands there more often than we should, it is also the most sensitive part that is exposed to dust.

So, it is paramount we care for it. Facial Cleanser is best applied in the morning and night after bath. Its use isn’t gender specific, just get the right one for your skin.

NEVER MISS BREAKFAST

For me, this is the most vital meal of the day. A lot of people claim that they are used to missing this meal; I feel in a way it can influence your productivity most especially if you are a morning person. Except you are into intermittent fasting, start your day with a good breakfast.

You will be happy you did. It refuels your energy and keeps you alert. However, you must be careful not to have a heavy breakfast as this might slow you down. Breakfast options like sandwiches, toast with tea or coffee, yam and egg, noodles, smoothies and salads are more advisable.

However, a little portion of rice or pasta should not hurt a fly but definitely not swallow options… lol! We don’t want you sleeping instead of being productive.

YOUR MESSAGES AND EMAILS SHOULD WAIT

Most people go for their phones immediately their eyes open or before their feet hit the floor in the morning, some even go ahead to open and reply emails.

I understand that we want to be productive but the  problem is that this often gets us off to a bad start; responding and reacting to other people’s agendas rather than setting our own course for the day.

Your messages and emails waited in your inbox while you slept, they can as well wait another hour while you start your day with the tips I have shared so far.

For me, resisting this urge was a struggle, I became more deliberate about it that I ensured my phone was kept away from my bed; somewhere I had to leave my bed to. This really worked for me until I got used to not reaching out for my phone immediately I wake up.

GET TO THE OFFICE AT LEAST 30MINS BEFORE

Whether you work from home or not, this tip applies to everyone. At home, your office is your work area; where you sit to carry out work/business related tasks and reply mails or messages.

This is particularly important if you work from home or run a business without the accountability of office mates. Set a time for when the workday will start, and then hold yourself accountable to it.

Getting settled in before working hours helps you prepare properly for the day as you would be able to clear your desk, identify tasks for the day and have breakfast if you missed that at home.

I ensure to leave early so I take a walk down to the office from the bus stop and observe my quiet time. Once I get in and clear my desk, I have breakfast and this keeps me energetic, giving me a proactive start.

Fun Tip:-Always Lay Your Bed. This tip is supposed to be at the top but I decided to bring it here and make it a fun tip because we all struggle a little with it. Always lay your bed once you wake up.

There is nothing that is as welcoming after a tired day as a good, properly laid bed. And if you work from home, there is a mental serenity that it brings. You will be glad you did.

That’s it for now. If you have your own healthy routine, feel free to share in the comment section. As always, stay safe and remember to sanitise this morning before leaving your house.

Article written by Victoria Akuba