31 May 7 Things You Should Do In The Morning If You Want More Energy
via the Huffington Post by Catherine Pearson
Americans generally feel pretty tired and rundown. And the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has upended our daily routines for nearly a year now, certainly has not helped.
But developing morning habits that leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day is possible, even amid an ongoing global health crisis. (Provided, of course, that you’re able to get sufficient restorative sleep. Alas, no amount of habit-rejiggering can help if you’re not regularly getting enough ZZZs.)
But if you are getting enough rest, and you’re still feeling kind of sluggish, here are seven simple steps that can help boost your morning energy levels:
1. Take 10 breaths.
Stress has many effects on the body, one of which is decreased energy. So experts recommend starting the day with an easy, evidence-backed intervention: taking a few deep breaths.
“I try to take a few minutes of deep breathing and silence to center myself before the work day begins,” said Gregory Katz, a cardiologist at Nuvance Health in Connecticut. He recommends a “brief period of focused deep breathing” to pretty much anyone.
Although there are many in-depth breathing exercises and routines available through apps and on the internet, it really doesn’t take much. The researchers behind a recent study that mapped out the “how” of well-being suggest, for example, that simply closing your eyes and focusing on the act of taking 10 breaths can be an effective way to slow down and to start to cultivate a sense of awareness.
2. Hydrate. (Coffee counts!)
Drinking water, even if you’re not thirsty, can be an energy booster, which is why so many nutritionists recommend downing a glass of water first thing in the morning.
“Staying hydrated helps your energy level because water helps oxygen move through the body. The more efficiently you can deliver oxygen to your muscles and organs, the more energy you’ll have,” said Stephanie Nelson, a registered dietitian and in-house nutrition expert for MyFitnessPal. By contrast, people who are significantly dehydrated can often feel extremely tired and lethargic…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE