Developing simple morning habits to reduce stress & anxiety

Do you know that practising a good morning routine can save you from unnecessary stress and anxiety? As a medical doctor focused on integrative health and gut health, I know how crucial your morning routine can be. Mornings are a blessing and we must take the maximum benefit from them. To do so, planning and setting up a good morning routine is important. However, this thought itself is stressful for many people. So why make it stressful and hard to practice? The most effective thing is to take approaches to make your mornings enjoyable, memorable, and stress-free for you.

First, think about several practical approaches that are easy to follow. Don't make a morning routine that your friend or your neighbor follows but it is hard for you. Following a routine that doesn't align with your natural rhythm can actually increase stress. Focus on incorporating habits that inspire and energize YOU.

All of us know that drinking water first thing in the morning offers many benefits to our health and body. Drinking water in the morning gives you a soothing feeling that will also calm your mind and reduce stress. It will flush out all the toxic compounds and negativity from your body while leaving you healthy and happy.

If you can’t walk for miles in the morning, try to do a little walk for only a few minutes. Always try to walk outside your home under an open sky and on the green grass. It helps give you dramatic energy, freshness, and a good feel for the whole day.

The worst thing that many of us do is waste hours on our phones once we wake up. If you have been doing this, stop this habit beginning tomorrow. To do so, try to keep your mobile phone far away from your bed so that you won’t pick it up and start using it unconsciously. Instead, set the morning alarm on an alarm clock and keep it near you instead of the phone.

Spend a few minutes thinking about the virtues of your life and be grateful for them. This process makes you content instead of complaining about life. When you start practising gratitude, the stress will start to fade away from your life.

Meditation and exercise in the morning are the two proven and powerful ways to reduce or manage stress. Make these two your morning habits and manage a few minutes for them every day to reap the benefits.

Reading the newspaper or a few pages of a good book will give you the knowledge and positive vibes for the day. As a result, it will help in reducing your stress while making you feel confident and insightful.

This is not a one-size-fits-all. I like to fast till the afternoon. But I know some people cannot function without breakfast. So if you eat breakfast, eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast in the morning to boost your stamina and energy for the day. By doing so, you will notice that you are more energetic and happier day by day and effectively managing your stress.

Every day, dress up beautifully in the morning to carry out your all-day responsibilities. Dressing up nicely gives you confidence in yourself and takes away the uninvited stress from your life.

Incorporating these morning habits can significantly transform your day, making it more peaceful and productive while enhancing your well-being and reducing stress. A structured morning routine provides a foundation for a more organized and balanced life. Remember, it's okay if you occasionally stray from your routine—life happens. The key is to return to it as soon as possible. Over time, you'll notice a real difference in your stress levels and overall well-being. Focus on discovering what works best for you and commit to it for long-term benefits in stress reduction and health improvement.

If you're looking for personalised guidance and support on your journey to better health, I'm here to help! Whether you need tailored meal plans, expert advice on nutrition, or strategies to boost your overall well-being, let's work together to achieve your goals.

Click here to schedule your free consultation. Let's discuss how we can make your healthy living journey successful and sustainable.

Stay healthy and happy!