The Power of a Self-Care Routine
Devoting some time and effort into crafting a self-care routine can be truly transformative. Why? Adopting a simply yet effective routine has the power to reduce stress, uplift your mood and supercharge your productivity. As breakfast fanatics, it will come as no surprise that we kickstart our self-care regime bright and early in the morning. So, here is our tried and tested morning self-care routine, designed to transform your day-to-day wellbeing.
1. Hydrate
Drinking water first thing is a great way to instantly rehydrate the body and help the stomach flush out toxins. You should aim for about 2 litres a day, so drink plenty in the morning to stay on track.
2. Healthy breakfast
The most important meal of the day, and for good reason! According to the Better Health Channel, eating a healthy breakfast not only replenishes the body after its nighttime fast, but can boost energy levels and focus, and supply essential nutrients for good health. We love a Keto Hana breakfast bowl, topped with yoghurt & berries.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Even if it's just for 10 minutes, giving yourself the time to clear your mind can completely change how you approach your day ahead. According to the headspace app, mornings are the most beneficial time to practice meditation due to their quiet nature, rather than the often hectic time around the afternoon.
4. Warm-up your body
Whether this is going on a run or simply stretching, a little movement will boost your mood for a good day ahead. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all for exercise, you may find that choosing to exercise first thing in the morning can have some great benefits. For example, a 2019 study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found participants who took part in a morning exercise routine, over other times in the day, had increased attention, improved learning, and better decision making.
5. Make a to-do list
Mornings are often the most productive time of the day. So decide what your priorities are, then tackle the hardest ones first. In fact, Psychologist and author Dr David Cohen is a big believer in the power of to-do lists, and claims they are essential for three reasons: they provide your day with structure, they decrease anxiety as we feel more in control, and they give proof of what we have achieved, be it that day, week, or month.
6. Have a cold shower
As well as feeling fresh & alert, research has proven some fantastic health benefits of cold showers. Regular cold showers even play an important part in the Wim Hof Method, a Sunday Times Bestseller on how to connect more deeply to your body. Here, Wim lays out the benefits from reduced stress, heightened alertness, boosted immune response and more.