It can feel like everyone online has a “perfect” 10-step morning routine. And whilst that may be aspirational, it’s not always realistic. Fortunately, a healthy morning routine is a lot easier to achieve than we might think!
It’s all about prioritising what health behaviours are most important and creating realistic routines that fit within your lifestyle.
So, here are three healthy habits that I prioritise in the morning, as they make a positive difference to my day and my overall wellbeing.
Hydration
Getting into a habit of drinking water first thing in the morning can help to prevent dehydration, especially if you’re someone that forgets to drink water throughout the day (guilty). It can also help to stimulate regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Movement
We all have different schedules and preferences, and movement is best whenever you can fit it into your day. But if you have the means to add in some movement into your morning, I highly recommend it. Not only is it wonderful for the body, it leaves you feeling energised and motivated for the day ahead.
This doesn’t have to be an hour-long gym session or pilates class, this can simply just be a walk around the neighbourhood or a 15 minute YouTube workout. Any movement is good movement, especially for those of us that spend most of our school/work days sitting!
Balanced Breakfast
My personal favourite step in the morning routine, is of course a balanced breakfast.
But first – do you even need breakfast in the morning? Well, it depends on the context, but for most people, a balanced breakfast will keep you energised for the morning ahead. It’s also important to have three meals a day to ensure you’re getting in adequate energy and micronutrients.
When preparing breakfast, or any main meal, the key word is balance. A balanced breakfast will give you energy and keep you fuller for longer. To do this, include a source of complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and fibre. Some example include:
- Wholemeal toast, baked beans and avocado.
- Weetbix, yoghurt and fruit.
- Wholemeal toast, nut butter and fruit.
- Greek yoghurt, whole grains and fruit.
- Wholemeal toast, eggs and sautéed veggies
Tips for a Busy Morning
If you’re particularly busy in the mornings but still want to incorporate these three habits, here are some tips.
- Have a water bottle with you whilst you get ready for the day, or on your morning commute to work/school. Sip on it throughout the morning.
- Meal prep breakfasts or have breakfasts to-go. My savoury slice is perfect for this. You can also try some fun options like overnight oats, overnight weetbix, chia seed pudding or egg cups (check out this recipe).
- Incorporate incidental exercise into your mornings, like taking the stairs.
- Plan your morning and day the night before to help you prioritise tasks and reduce stress.
I encourage you to take a look at your mornings, and see if there’s an opportunity for you to add these habits. If you’re looking for more tips on building healthy habits, here’s my post on how to make healthy habits stick.
