Morning habits and rituals are needed to sustain a good mood and positive vibes throughout the day.
These rituals can be done anywhere. Studies published in the Society for Personality and Social Psychology Journal showed that 40% of people’s morning day-to-day activities are beneficial for the rest of their day. Starting your day with a few good habits can make you more productive, less stressed, and happier. The first few hours of waking are sacred to the spirit. These morning habits will give you a healthy and solid foundation for the rest of your day. But why is that so important?
Why It’s Essential to Mental Health and Productivity to Implement Good Morning Habits
A positive morning routine can significantly impact one’s mental health and productivity. Here are five reasons why cultivating a positive morning routine can be so beneficial.
1 – Your Morning Habits Set the Tone for the Rest of the Day
A positive morning routine can help to set the tone for the rest of the day. You can promote a positive mindset and greater well-being by starting the day with healthy habits like exercise, meditation, or journaling. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can, in turn, boost productivity.
2 – You Will Rely on the Structure and Routine
A positive morning routine can help to establish a sense of structure and routine in your life. Having a consistent morning routine can provide a sense of stability and help you to feel more in control of your day. This can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with anxiety or depression, as it can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
3 – Your Physical Health May Also Benefit From Positive Morning Habits
A positive morning routine can help to improve your physical health. Taking the time to exercise or stretch in the morning can help to boost energy levels and increase focus. This can lead to greater productivity throughout the day and promote a more positive outlook on life.
4 – You Will Sleep Better at Night
A positive morning routine can help to promote good sleep habits. You can promote healthy sleep patterns by establishing a consistent wake-up time and engaging in calming activities, such as meditation or stretching. This can help to reduce feelings of fatigue or lethargy throughout the day, which can improve both mental health and productivity.
5 – Your Morning Habits Can Increase Your Self-Compassion
A positive morning routine can help to foster a greater sense of self-care and self-compassion. By engaging in activities that promote well-being and self-reflection, you can prioritize your needs and promote a more positive relationship with yourself. This can help reduce self-doubt and increase feelings of self-efficacy, which can boost productivity and mental health in the long term.
5 Morning Habits to Have the Best, Most Positive Days of Your Life
Here are five-morning habits that will create the most optimistic day ever:
Read tips on how to wake up in a good mood every day.
1 – Wake up early (morning habits that get you a jump on your day).
In 2010, a biologist from Harvard, Christoph Randler, found that people who woke early were more proactive than others who slept in. After a good night sleep, the brain is charged to make healthier decisions and get things done in a quiet time. When you begin to wake up earlier, your mental health releases the stress of being rushed in the morning. Studies have shown that early risers have a more positive attitude.
2 – Conscious deep breathing.
This may sound simple, but we tend to hold our breaths when awake. A study by Dr. Herbert Benson, who wrote The Relaxation Response, states that there are three parts to our breathing: “(1) inhaling deeply through the nose for a count of five or so, making sure that the abdomen expands, (2) holding the breath for a moment, and (3) exhaling completely through the mouth for a count longer than the inhalation.”
As you wake, make a mental note to take a few deep breaths. Inhaling deeply and exhaling fully. Close your eyes and allow for the quietude to bring you present into this new day.
3 – Meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
Regardless of your faith, these small acts of faith and silence will alter your mood for the day. Whenever you pray or meditate, the activity of your brain shifts from the right frontal cortex (where stress is held) to the calmness of the left frontal cortex. The best prayer to enter the day is to be in full gratitude: you have been given another day in this life journey.
Meditation is the art of silencing the mind. Prayer is the art of asking. Contemplation joins both and provides you with the calmness needed to move through the busyness of the day. You do not have to do this for an hour. Sitting for fifteen minutes creates a sense of peace in your mind, body and spirit.
4 – Yoga or gentle exercising.
Stretching first thing in the morning is vital for your mind and body. The benefits of yoga can provide tremendous stimulation, like drinking a cup of espresso. Yoga exercises make your body tighter and lighter. These gentle movements raise the serotonin levels and your endorphins. These are the feel-good chemicals that are produced in your body.
Starting the day with stretches and deep breathing will ensure a calm state of being, thus providing you with an incredible energy boost.
5 – Eat a healthy breakfast.
Overnight oats are an easy way to eat a satisfying, wholesome breakfast on your way out the door.
Food is what fuels you for the entire day. Breakfast is the most critical meal for your body as it helps reduce crankiness, provide stimulation, and energize. A healthy meal can consist of a smoothie or fruit and toast. A lean breakfast prepares you for entering the day with energy. A study in 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that people who skipped breakfast were more likely to have higher cholesterol, elevated insulin levels, and higher risk factors for heart disease.
Final Thoughts on How Good Morning Habits Set the Tone for the Rest of Your Day
These morning habits will give you a healthy and solid foundation for the rest of your day. Once you begin implementing them, the lighter and happier you will feel.
“We become what we repeatedly do.” ~ Sean Convey
