Eight Morning Habits to Prime the Brain for Success

How we start the day can affect the rest of the day, hence the saying, “Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?” Successful people say starting with a morning routine of personal care. Here are some healthy habits that are great for the brain.

1. First, we will start out with the night before. Have a plan of what you want to do the next day. It gives you motivation of why you want to get a good night sleep, and what you have to look forward to when you awake, and what time you need to start the day without feeling rushed. The only time our brain detoxes is while we sleep. It is said the hours before midnight are worth double the quality of sleep of the hours after. Gain the habit of getting to bed around 10PM. Turn off electronics the hour before which are stimulating, and create a relaxing routine such as reading a good book, and writing in a gratitude journal. To support the body in releasing its nighttime hormones that combat our body’s aging, it is best not to eat after 7 PM and it is important to sleep in a fully darkened room.  If you have trouble falling asleep, it could be from lack of nutrition (10 servings of fruits & veggies minimum every day), hydration, or exercise. There are smart phone apps that measure movement while you sleep to determine the quality of sleep, getting into the REM stage. They can be helpful to show the need for adjustments. Just make sure you put your phone in airplane mode.
2. Upon waking, take an assessment. Do you feel rested, or did you need to go to bed earlier? Do you recall dreams? It could be your mind creatively trying to solve a problem and we should attend to that work. Mind your thoughts and train the brain to be positive and thankful. Reading written Scripture quotes, affirmations, inspiring quotes first thing in the morning tells the mind how you want to think when it is relaxed and least distracted so it really sinks in.
3. Get up and make your bed. It is the start of completing tasks, a good discipline, and creates order and routine. There will be a sense of calm when you return to it at night.
4. Every time you go to the bathroom, drink a glass of water. Our brains are 80% water, and we lose hydration even when we are breathing. Drink filtered, pure water throughout the day. If you are properly hydrated, your urine should be pale.
5. When you brush your teeth in the morning, use your non-dominant hand. It will challenge the brain, which is good. At night when you brush, always start in a different spot, again to make the brain work. Think of the brain as a muscle, we need to challenge it to help keep it strong.
6. Do some stretching and some high intensity interval exercises. Get the oxygen levels up and the heart rate going. Do exercises that challenge your ability to balance. Movement uses the brain, and it is good to switch up what you are doing for exercise to engage the brain.
7. Start the day with a healthy brain breakfast. Whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats, plant protein (nuts, seeds, quinoa, legumes) or lean protein, and blueberries. For those on the go, make a smoothie with an orange peel, coconut water (or a non-dairy nut/seed/grain milk), leafy greens, a healthy fat (avocado, nut butter, or virgin coconut oil), plant protein drink mix (3^rd party certified), frozen blueberries and sweet fruit.
8. While you sip your plant protein green smoothie (recipe booklet), read. Be a life-long learner. Stick to print versions of books, newspaper, magazines when possible, it is easier on the eyes. You may want to make it the time to study Scripture to fortify you for your day.

Keep your own morning routine of taking care of you before you start checking emails, social media, etc. and responding to everyone else. Good self-care will help you have more to give to others. As a bonus step, after you have finished your reading time, step outside, and take in nature. Look at the sky, listen for birds, deep breathe and stretch. What a great way to start every day!

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day.
Psalm 96: 1-2

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