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Winter morning routines are challenging; that much is true. Only around one-fifth of the population is characterised as being an early riser, says Harvard Business Publishing Education. Even if you get up earlier than most people, you still need to give yourself plenty of time to do everything on your to-do list before the day even begins. A morning routine can be challenging to develop at any time of year, even when days are long and sunshine is shining. But with the short days and freezing temperatures of winter, it can seem like an insurmountable task.
The importance of hydration
When we sleep for extended periods, our bodies naturally become dehydrated. A glass of water first thing in the morning does more than simply satisfy your thirst; it also revitalises you. The body needs to be rehydrated after sleeping to perform at its best, and this simple habit has several advantages. Not only does water aid digestion, but but it also helps prevent constipation. When you're dehydrated, you may feel foggy-headed and unable to focus. Hydration aids in the preservation of mental clarity and also increases attentiveness. Need a little more help? You are welcome to add half a lemon to your water if you like. The addition of vitamin C, potassium, and phytonutrients that are antioxidants makes the health advantages even better. Add this to your winter morning routine to make sure you don’t catch a cold!
Determine your optimal sleep duration
We bet you didn't realise that everyone has a different optimal sleep duration. On average, the adage about getting eight hours of sleep per night is still correct, but there's more variation than you may think. Less sleep is a common symptom of ageing! A few hours of sleep is enough for the elderly, whereas a baby sleeps continuously throughout the day. However, most adults concur that a sleep duration of seven to nine hours is optimal. Considering that we all sleep every night, it's quite a difference! To put it in context, that might mean the difference between sleeping in until 11 or waking up at 8 or 10 in the morning. Everyone should aim for at least seven hours of sleep every night because chronic sleep deprivation is linked to health problems. Getting that much sleep is really annoying and needs some planning, but making it a priority will be worthwhile in the long run. This will be a perfect way to set yourself up for success in your morning routine for winter!
Yoga and stretching first thing in the morning
According to a blog post by Calm, many ancient yoga traditions, particularly those from India, advocate practising yoga first thing in the morning. Why? At this early hour, thoughts of the stresses of the day have not yet clouded the crisp and clean air. Overall, a morning yoga practice is a great way to revitalise your body and establish a positive tone for the day. Getting your blood pumping and muscles warmed up early in the morning is a beneficial practice. A short yoga practice or set of stretches can help you relax, become more flexible, and give your muscles a boost for the day. This is a must-add to your morning winter routine!
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Morning runs will be your best friend
This is a winter self-care routine that is a bitter pill to swallow! Nobody enjoys this part of preparing for the day in the cold. But we adore reaching our objectives since we are an achievement-oriented species! Some suggestions for incorporating running into your morning routine include sticking to a training schedule that calls for runs three times a week (making up for missed runs easier). A game-changer will be having a running partner, and cutting off screen time before running will help you stay motivated and get us out the door faster.
Influence of a healthy morning meal
For maximum mental and physical performance throughout the day, a nutritious breakfast is essential. Not only does it maintain stable blood sugar levels, but it also promotes consistent energy release and prevents energy crashes. An energy boost and better calorie burning are two benefits of eating a healthy breakfast. Ensure a balanced diet by consuming protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Oatmeal with berries and nuts, omelettes with veggies, and avocado toast with fruit are all popular breakfast options.
Take the cold shower challenge
Taking a cold shower during the winter may sound scary, but it actually has some surprising health benefits. Immersing oneself in cold water has multiple benefits, including increasing blood flow, decreasing inflammation, and enhancing alertness. At first, try exposing just your limbs to the cold water or lowering its temperature a little bit every day. Your body will adjust and give you more pep in your step after a while.
The comforting ritual of a warm beverage
As a bonus, sipping a mug of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa can help you relax and focus. Focus on the sensation of warmth in your palms, the scent, and the flavour as you take a sip. You can find peace and serenity by bringing your attention to the here and now through this basic practice of mindfulness.