Good morning! 5 ways to make a better start to your day

Beep-beep! Beep-beep! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiing! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiing!

Does this sound familiar? Does the sound of your alarm clock completely startle you? Do you lurch out of bed, rubbing your eyes, yawning? Do you feel shocked as your body wakes from its deep sleep?

How about your to-do list? Do you begin your morning by tallying up everything you need to accomplish before bedtime? Do you hit the shower in a panic, grab some clothes, brush your teeth, grab breakfast as you shoot out the door?  

Starting the day in complete frenzy can make your whole day feel like a three-ring circus. What if, instead of a crazed morning, you set your alarm for five minutes earlier? What if you laid in bed upon waking, took a few deep breaths, gathered your thoughts, and then began your day?

Perhaps you need to take more time for a healthy breakfast at home instead of devouring an energy bar in the car. Maybe you need a few more minutes with family before heading out the door.

Making a few minor adjustments to your morning routine can result in a decrease in overall stress, loss of inches around your middle, and an increased lifespan.

5 ways to start your day on the right foot

1.     Drink two full glasses of water, first thing. Hydrating, preferably 30 minutes before breakfast, increases energy levels, boosts the immune system, aids in weight loss, decreases cholesterol, and lowers the risk for stroke or heart attack. If you get one thing from this post, this is it! Hydrate!

2.     Eat protein and healthy fat for breakfast. Skip the carbs that lead to weight gain and energy crashes.

3.     Take a cold shower. End your morning shower with a shot of cold water. Cold water boosts metabolism and helps your immune system. Cold thermogenesis aids in weight loss and increases white blood cells by increasing immune function.

4.     Give thanks. We all tend to think about the day ahead, which can be overwhelming. Practicing gratitude lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Take a few minutes to be thankful before rushing to your day.

5.     Breathe deep. Deep breathing improves immune function and increases circulation. It also helps the digestive and nervous systems. By taking a few deep breaths, you help your body feel more awake.

The way you start your day is the way you live your day. Take it easy. Set your body and mind in motion with ease and calm, rather than frantic rushing. You’ll be ready to tackle what lies before you effectively, feeling energized.