Sleep is a precious element of life that some of us simply cannot seem to have enough of. Most health experts suggest that a healthy individual should receive between seven to nine hours of sleep per night—but I’m not so sold on that.
I’m no health expert—nor have I any expertise in examining the psychological influence sleep has on the human brain—but what I do know is that there are some mornings where that recommended amount of shuteye feels insufficient.
And since getting paid to sleep isn’t a reality for anyone, we’ve put together a list of a few routines that will make getting out of bed in the morning just a little bit easier! Get Your Exercise In Early
Working out first thing in the morning may not sound like music to your ears; after all, you do have to wake up even earlier than intended to make time for the gym. Yet research indicates that working out in the morning does have some considerable health benefits that can give you a much-needed boost in the morning. Consider the following:
- Regular exercise increases energy and serotonin levels the brain, which can increase mental clarity and focus for anywhere between four to ten hours.
- Endorphins are released into your bloodstream during periods of exercise, giving you more energy throughout the day.
- Exercise is considered to be one of the best ways to alleviate stress and clear your mind
- Working out boosts your metabolism; thus making it easier to burn more calories throughout the day.
Have A Balanced Breakfast
Sometimes just having a good breakfast can go a long way when it comes to starting off your morning on the right foot. I’m sure we’ve all been reminded that eating a breakfast can offer significant health benefits, but what if you were to look beyond that? Can eating breakfast really be considered a pick-me-up? Well, many researchers are suggesting that could be the case.
It’s more about what you eat, as opposed to when you eat, claims Erica Giovinazzo, MS, RD; a nutritionist at Clay Health Club and Spa, located in New York City. "You want to aim for a breakfast that combines good carbs and fiber with some protein." As a result of eating a healthy breakfast, your body will enter a state of thermogenesis (the metabolic process of digesting food). While sleeping your metabolism slows, indicating your body is in a resting state; so by restarting your metabolic system, you’re telling your body that it is time to get up and begin your day.
Take Advantage of Meditation and Goal Setting
Sometimes all it takes to feel energized is a proper mindset, but if you’re reading this headline and finding it hard to imagine yourself being able to squeeze meditation into an already chaotic morning routine, the good news is you don’t have to. The beauty of meditation is that you can do it anywhere. Whether it is in the shower or even during your daily commute to work, you can always find time to prepare your mind and body for the day. Simple exercises like deep breathing and goal setting can be considered an act of meditation. You don’t always have to close your eyes and feel the energy around you!
Meditation is a wonderful way to put your mind at ease while honing your concentration skills. Simply analyzing your daily workload may not only make it seem manageable, but this practice also engages your mind in an effort to sharpen the focus and attention centers of the brain. According to an article featured in Forbes, it was found that meditation decreases default brain activity, which is responsible for the majority of mind-wandering thoughts that occur throughout the day. If your mind is more focused, you’ll likely spend less time daydreaming during the early hours of your workday in exchange for productivity.
If you’ve got any additional tips you think we should add to this list, email us at social@magnatag.com. To stay up to date on the most recent tips and products that can help you with productivity, be sure to like our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.