We all know that what you eat has a huge impact on your energy levels. If you’ve got end of the year examinations to tackle, or a work deadline to hit, then it’s vital that you’re able to wake up feeling energetic, clear headed, and focused. But if you’re like many of us living and working in this fast-paced society, then you’re often pressed for time, which may make you reliant on quick-to-find and highly processed fast foods with low nutrient content. With such a diet, you’ll probably find yourself undernourished, drowsy, stressed, and unable to concentrate.
In addition to healthy, balanced diet, there are other factors that contribute to an effective morning and productive workday. Here are five more ways to jumpstart your morning and get into top gear!
- Create a bedtime routine. This one may seem obvious, but it really cannot be emphasized enough! Besides a nutritious diet, a good night’s sleep is the most important factor for both physically and mentally restoration. Try to get yourself into a bedtime routine where you go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and comfortable, and make sure to stay away from caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol at least four hours before bed. You should also stay away from screens and pick up a book before bed. If you’re still having trouble catching zzz’s, try taking some natural melatonin one hour before bedtime.
- Manage your time. Your time needs to be used carefully in order to balance studying, work commitments, exercise, and rest. Poor time management and its consequences can be a major source of stress and can get your day off on the wrong foot. Buy a notebook and every morning take the time to write down what you want to achieve for the day. This will help you destress, get your thoughts organized, and feel ready to take on the day.
- Water first thing on waking. Drinking water throughout the day is obviously important, but a glass of water first thing in the morning will jumpstart the rest of your day! Add a bit of honey or half a fresh lemon for additional cleansing benefits—the lemon helps to improve gut health and the honey takes the edge off of the lemon’s sourness. Also remember never to skip on breakfast, as research shows that having a healthy breakfast can enhance memory and your speed of processing information.
- Start with a run. Starting your day with a few simple exercises straight out of bed will accelerate your energy. Apart from a morning walk or run, there are tons of simple exercises and stretches you can do in 10 – 15 minutes first thing in the morning. Exercises like squats and jumping on the spot are great cardiovascular exercises and will get your blood flowing from your feet to your brain.
- Supplements. Additional brain boosters like nootropics can enhance the mental strength of your brain. Taking nootropics doesn’t mean that you no longer have to study because you’ve turned yourself into a superhuman overnight—but they can give your brain a surge of power. Nootropics improve memory and are also helpful in fighting neurological degradation that results in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Many different nootropics generate brain chemicals linked to a healthier mood, clearer memory, and focused thinking. Everyone has an off-day now and then, so using nootropics for a bit of extra help will keep your mind and productivity on track to help you feel optimized.
