If you ask anyone what’s the first thing they do when they wake up nowadays, a lot of people will say that they look at their phones. Technology and social media have gotten mankind pigeonholed that they’re commonly the first and probably the last things people after and before bed. Many people have forgotten how to live without them, and this can substantially deteriorate one’s physical and mental health. It’s important to live in the moment, to experience what life has to offer beyond computer and phone screens. You only have one body to live in, it’s best to take care of it and let it enjoy the world.
Every morning, you get the opportunity to recharge and set out what you want to do for the day. It all begins with the very first thing you do after you wake up. If you want to escape the prisons set by technology and social media, here are just some habits you can do to instantly get your body all fired up for the day.
Stretch
First things first, it’s important to stretch. You’re going to need a relaxed and well-adjusted body to take on whatever you have going for you for the day. Stretching helps prepare your muscles, legs, and limbs into a comfortable state so that you’re less prone to suffering injuries and accidents throughout the day. You can do this while still on your bed, sitting up, or eventually standing up. The latter is the most preferable as you get to stretch your body in your most elongated way possible.
Meditate
Aside from your comfortable body, you’re also going to need a clear mind to start the day right. If you let all your problems and past tribulations ruin your day the moment you wake up, you’re sure to have a stressful day ahead of you. And stress can lead to countless health defects, some of which can ultimately result in life-threatening conditions. The moment you wake up, set your mind free and think only of happy and positive thoughts. This will prepare your mind to be more focused and energized for the rest of the day.
Do Some Yoga
Why not combine the first two into one big yet effective healthy morning habit? Do yoga! This is a form of exercise that’s sure to help you relax, clear your mind, and start the day right and ready for anything. Since your body is still waking up as well, you can start with the simplest of poses, and as you feel your systems slowly start, you can go for the kill. The best part about yoga is that you can do it practically anywhere, which makes it a perfect morning habit right after you wake up.
Do a Little Exercise
If you’re not into yoga, there are other little exercises you can still do within the comforts of your own bedroom. It’s important to start your day with a little physical stimulation as it wakes up all your body’s systems and gets them instantly ready to accomplish anything for the day. A few good suggestions would be jumping jacks, lunges, jogging in place, and many more. It’s better if the exercises aren’t all that strenuous, so maybe avoid sit-ups and push-ups as your first exercises for the day.
Read a Little
Mental stimulation is as important as physical stimulation when getting ready for the day. For this, it’s best to read a little. Have a newspaper or a good book ready on your bedside table or drawer so you can just reach out and get the reading material the minute you open your eyes. For this time of day, fictional stories are more preferable as it lets you meditate by escaping the real world and its troubling news and entering a made-up fantasy.
Work Standing Up
If you’re a busybody like so many people are, you’re more likely to go straight to work right after you wake up. While this isn’t ideal, it’s understandable in this day and age. If you want to work right after waking up, it’s best to do it standing up. This will keep your mind and body stimulated as you accomplish your tasks. And the more they’re stimulated, the more you’re able to accomplish your work faster and properly. Put your work gear on a standing desk to better do it while standing up. You can even sneak some small exercises in between!
Have a Good Laugh
Why not start your day with a good laugh? If your mood is great at the start of the day, chances are it’ll stay the same the whole day through. Install some audio jokes as your alarm so that the first thing you hear will entertain you. You can also keep a good joke book handy on your bedside table so you can keep yourself laughing all morning! When they say that “laughter is the best medicine,” they’re talking about giving your mental health a break and just having fun.
Have a Sip of Water
Many times, peopel get quite tired when they wake up from sleeping all night. They’re going to need to be refreshed to start the day and one of the best ways to do so is to have a sip of water. At night, before you sleep, place a pitcher or glass full of water at your beside table. When you wake up, you can take a sip the minute you open your eyes. It’s better if the water is cold, so don’t forget to put in a lot of ice cubes as well.
Have a Fruit Snack
Apart from a sip of water, you can also have a small snack ready for you for when you wake up. Fruits are the most preferable food group to snack on this early of the day. They’re chock full of vitamins and minerals and have sugar as well, which are important in getting you energized to start moving. Why do you think fruits are the most incorporated among many common breakfast and comfort foods? Slice up some bananas, oranges, lemons, or a bowl full of berries to perk up your morning like no other!
The first thing you do in the morning can act as the catalyst for how your day will be like. Relax, exercises, and enjoy being alive by doing some routines that’ll benefit your health and overall well-being!