5 Unhealthy Morning Habits to Break!
The morning is a hectic time for most of us. Getting the kids off to school on time, answering those urgent emails, and rushing to work tend to take priority over your morning health routine, but there are some simple changes you can make to have a healthier day overall. Check out these five common morning health mistakes and some great tips for breaking your bad habits –
Hitting the snooze button. Most of the time, you’re probably tempted to hit snooze and sleep just a little bit longer. But health experts advise against cramming in those extra few minutes of sleep. In reality, it does more harm than good. When you hit the snooze button and fall back to sleep, your body begins a sleep cycle that remains unfinished. This keeps you even more tired throughout the day!
Avoiding natural light. If you prefer to sit in the dark when you first wake up, you may be disturbing your body’s natural internal clock. Some natural light upon waking will give you energy and help boost your mood, so avoid the darkness and make a habit of opening the shades when you wake up every day.
Skipping water. Dehydration is a major source of fatigue, but not too many of us turn to water for energy in the morning. Instead of (or along with) your usual coffee or carbonated beverage, be sure to drink plenty of water in the morning. Your body becomes dehydrated overnight, and a little hydration first thing gets your organs working, and you feel good throughout the day. Keep a water bottle near your bed so you don’t forget to hydrate before you start your day.
Skipping breakfast, or eating too late. Skipping breakfast is a common bad habit when it comes to health, but it’s one we should all take a little more effort to break! Studies show that eating a healthy, balanced morning meal gives you more energy throughout the day and might even prevent late-night snacking. Eating too late is also something you’ll want to avoid – if you have breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up, your metabolism gets the jump-start it needs. What’s more, waiting too long to eat breakfast might cause you to overeat.
Carb Overload. Eating too many carbs early in the morning can make you hungrier throughout the day. Go for protein instead – eggs, cheese, Greek yogurt, and non-processed meats are packed with protein and help energize your muscles.
What other morning rituals do you practice to keep your health and wellness on track? Share your feedback in the comments!
