We have all heard the old saying about the early bird that catches the worm. It is always hammered home to us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We are repeatedly told of the importance of 8 hours of sleep a day. Sound familiar? Well, not everyone’s the same, and life sometimes just doesn’t go that way. There are disturbances to patterns, disruptions to routines, an unexpected turn of events; things rarely go to plan or end up how we envisaged them. That is reality. So with so many obstacles in our path preventing us from living our lives to the letter and following all the good advice that is out there to better ourselves, how do we do it? With so much focus on a great start to the day and a fresh start in the morning, we have identified some key areas to assist you in being as fresh, as motivated, and as productive as possible each and every morning.
Contrasting Systems
Nobody is built the same, but most people are either a morning person or not. There is rarely an in-between. It is OK to go against the grain; it’s perfectly normal to be the sleepy and moody one when all around you are full of energy and bouncing around the place. We are all wired differently. Each person has a different biological cycle that affects their abilities and general functioning. The common misconception that early risers have about themselves is that they are more productive and therefore more valuable than your typical night owl. This, of course, is not true; they will be tucked up in bed by 9 pm when the late risers are in their optimum zone and ready for anything. Dismissing the value of a contrasting body clock system to yours is very naive and ultimately wrong as both ways of working are extremely efficient in their own ways.
With that in mind, let’s have a closer look at what we can all do to try and find a healthy balance and a happy medium between the two;
1. Hydration
Remember, you can survive without food but not without water. Now under no circumstances is that encouragement to stop eating. It is simply emphasizing the importance of water intake. Keeping hydrated throughout the day brings infinite benefits and will set you up as best possible for the next one. It removes toxins, fatigue and boosts your immune system. It is no exaggeration to say that your body will be constantly fresh, rested, and rejuvenated, which cannot fail to put a spring in your step.
2. Supplements
Having a carefully balanced amount of ingredients that have a positive effect on your body and sleep. Over time you will see real progress and the true benefits supplements can have on your body, from energy-boosting to recovery. Platforms like Veriheal and other MMJ product sites are easily accessible and could help you ease pain, increase sleep and reduce stress.
3. Physical activity
It may well be that all you can manage in your busy life is a brisk walk after an evening meal or a quick lap of the estate with the dog in the morning before work. If that is the case, something is better than nothing. It is extremely important to fit physical exercise into even the tightest of schedules. Your body will be fitter and healthier, which reduces stress and anxiety of the mind whilst relaxing your muscles and body systems with the reduced pressure they are under. All of these combined contribute to better sleep and feeling fresher the next day.
4. Quality food at the right times
Make this your largest meal of the day and reduce the portions each time you eat until you go to bed. This way, you can spend the day using the energy you fuelled up with at the beginning rather than if you had a big meal later in the day. This is because it takes your body to use a lot of energy to digest a big meal, so you will feel wiped out and lethargic after it. You also won’t be able to sleep until the digestion process is complete, so a light meal or snack no more than an hour or two before bed will help massively.
5. Routine
Consistency with routine produces good energy within the body and allows the mind to rehearse and learn what works best for you. The repetitions soon become a learned behavior, and you will naturally adapt to what optimizes your energy levels. Strict adherence to a schedule also gives you better quality sleep and basically a biological rhythm within.
Final Thoughts
Whichever category you fall into, these tips will be able to help you. The advice given may already be what any early risers already do; if so, then great; hopefully, it will serve as reassurance and motivation that you are on the right track. With any luck, by reading this blog, you will have the confidence that your current routine is sustainable, and you can maintain your fresh and positive mornings by continuing as you are.
On the flip side, the hints will perhaps be more impactful for the night owls looking to kick-start their bodies and minds a bit earlier than they normally start to function. We aren’t suggesting trying to alter your natural system, but a little boost in whatever manner helps you move forward towards your goals can only be a good thing. If by following some or even all of the advice given, you still aren’t feeling the early starts or don’t want to attack the day until after 11, then it isn’t a problem.
With so much emphasis being placed on morning schedules and a bright start, there is no doubt pressure on the late starters to adapt. However, if they can’t just remember there are still other worms to be caught after the first one, your breakfast can be the first thing you eat that day, and it won’t lose its importance if it is a few hours later as it serves the same purpose. It is alright to want more than the standard 8 hours of sleep or to stretch that 8 hours over a different time to the next person. Not everyone can be a morning person!
