One of the simplest ways to practice self care is to develop a consistent morning routine that works for you.
As entrepreneurs, we all experience varying levels of anxiety and uncertainties regarding our professional and financial futures. To keep overwhelm at bay, it is important to leverage what we do have control over, which is how we spend our hours before starting our work day.
While there is an abundance of lifestyle advice out there outlining ambitious morning routines (5am wakeup calls, anyone?), many don’t take into account that everyone has a distinct lifestyle and unique circadian clock. And honestly, who has time to prepare a perfectly garnished acaí bowl every morning?
Rather than following an aspirational morning routine only to give up after a few days, the key here is to develop a morning routine that aligns with your lifestyle and one that you can confidently repeat everyday.
In this article, we discuss six simple and practical morning habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine to bring focus and clarity back into your life.
1. Detoxify as soon as you wake up.
Bacteria and other microorganisms accumulate in your mouth as you sleep, so the first step in your morning routine should be to detoxify. Some follow the Ayurvedic method of oil-pulling – a natural remedy that works if you have an extra 20 minutes to spare – while others simply scrape their tongue or brush their teeth. The key here is to set up a detoxifying ritual that works with your lifestyle to start the day off feeling fresh and new.
2. Hydrate.
Our bodies lose up to one liter of water while we sleep through the humidity of our breath. One of the most essential steps to include in your morning routine is to drink 12 to 16 ounces of room temperature water shortly after you wake up to make up for your water loss. Add fresh lemon or lime juice for a burst of vitamin C. Drink your water by an open window to elevate your mood, regulate your melatonin levels and clear morning grogginess.
3. Wait 90 minutes before your first cup of caffeine.
Caffeine is a diuretic, so drinking coffee or caffeinated tea too early in the morning will negate the hydrating benefits of your first drink of water. There’s no point in drinking water if your body flushes it out immediately after, right? Wait at least 90 minutes after you drink your water to indulge in coffee or other caffeinated drinks. Craving a morning stimulant? Continue on to the next step.
4. Move your body, and if possible, do an inversion pose.
During this 90-minute embargo, trigger wakefulness by increasing blood flow to your brain. Move your body by stretching and exercising for at least 10 minutes and if possible, do an inversion pose. An inversion pose is any pose where your head falls below your heart. You can achieve this by doing a hand stand or downward dog pose for a few breaths. This encourages blood flow to the brain and can be incredibly energizing.
5. Eat a protein-rich breakfast.
While most of us don’t have time to prepare a Pinterest-ready spread every morning, your breakfast should provide you with enough energy to carry you through the rest of your day. Stay away from carbs and sugars – both of which are filling but fast-burning – and opt for healthy proteins like eggs, nuts, beans, fish, meat and natural protein supplements like The Nue Co.’s Probiotic Protein.
6. Indulge in one small pleasure.
Mornings often feel like a blur, especially if you have children or family members to care for. Indulge in one sensory pleasure every morning as a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself for the rest of the day. This can be as simple as rolling on your favorite fragrance or applying your favorite moisturizer. The key here is to acknowledge the ritual as an act of kindness toward yourself as you start your work day.