The Mercury (Pottstown, PA)

Kickstart the day with a healthy morning routine

- By Michilea Patterson For MediaNews Group

People who start their morning on a positive note are more likely to keep the positivity going through the whole day.

People who start their morning on a positive note are more likely to keep the positivity going through the whole day. A good morning routine can set someone up for a successful day, whereas a morning without intentions may not lead to the most productive day.

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can help people manage stress and improve their health. Studies have shown individual­s with an optimistic outlook on life tend to be less stressed which impacts their total well-being. Other health benefits of positive thinking include an increased life span, a greater resistance to the common cold, and better cardiovasc­ular health.

Below are three ways people can create a morning routine to promote positivity and good health throughout the day.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Making sure your day starts off on the right foot begins the previous night. Adults need seven hours or more of sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are doing more activities at home such as going to school or working from home. It’s not uncommon for these new home activities to disrupt the sleep pattern, but it’s still important to go to bed at an hour that will help you to wake up rested the next day. In addition to the amount of sleep you get; the quality of sleep is just as important. Sleep quality can be improved through better nighttime habits such as going to bed at the same time every night and even exercising during the day. For more tips on getting better sleep, visit www.cdc.gov.

Ditch the Social Media Check for Morning Meditation

About 50 percent of Americans say they check their smartphone­s when they wake up, according to a technology survey by the company ReportLink­er. There’s so much going on in the world right now, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting your day with informatio­n overload

may not be the way to begin with positivity. Instead of reaching for your phone in the morning to check news and social media sites, try beginning your day with meditation. Mediation is about focusing your thoughts and is a great opportunit­y to concentrat­e on positivity. Meditation can be used to think about what you have to be thankful for which can set you up for a successful day. For meditation tips, visit www.headspace.com/meditation/tips.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast and Exercise

Breakfast is the first meal of the day so it should include nutritious foods to help you stay energized and focused. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults who have a healthy breakfast eat more vitamins and minerals, control their weight, and perform better at work tasks. Whole grains, lean protein options, lowfat dairy, and fruits and vegetables are foods to include in a nutritious breakfast meal.

For more healthy breakfast tips, visit mayoclinic.org.

Physical fitness is another way to jump start your body for a productive day. Some of the benefits of working out in the morning are an increased metabolism and high energy levels.

The National Institute for Fitness and Sport states morning exercise means people are less likely to skip their regular workout and it leaves time for other priorities.

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 ?? MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO ?? Shown is a whole grain wrap with peanut butter and berries. The wrap can be incorporat­ed into a healthy breakfast meal.
MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO Shown is a whole grain wrap with peanut butter and berries. The wrap can be incorporat­ed into a healthy breakfast meal.
 ??  ?? Yoga and reiki instructor Ally Antonini holds a mug of brewed tea as she leads a mindfulnes­s tea class at the Samana Holistic Center in Pottstown.
Yoga and reiki instructor Ally Antonini holds a mug of brewed tea as she leads a mindfulnes­s tea class at the Samana Holistic Center in Pottstown.
 ??  ?? Kevin Sherman and Fabienne Daniel practice chanting. The two apply the principles of Buddhism to their healthy lifestyle journey such as consistenc­y.
Kevin Sherman and Fabienne Daniel practice chanting. The two apply the principles of Buddhism to their healthy lifestyle journey such as consistenc­y.
 ??  ?? Laura Washington does a plank exercise using a tree at Manatawny Park in Pottstown.
Laura Washington does a plank exercise using a tree at Manatawny Park in Pottstown.
 ??  ?? Two women walk outdoors in their neighborho­od.
Two women walk outdoors in their neighborho­od.

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