5 Morning Habits That Will Change Your Life
“The early morning has gold in its mouth.” - Benjamin Franklin
As stated by Benjamin Franklin, each morning has its own versatile feel! But, are you making it the right way?
What’s the first thing you do after waking up in the morning?
Grab the phone and dive into social media to check on what’s happening all over the world!
This isn’t something you need to follow as a morning ritual. Other than that, there are plenty of great habits offering you long-term benefits.
We’ve all heard the saying, “The way you start your day is the way you live your life.” It’s no secret that mornings set the tone for the entire day, and adopting healthy habits early in the morning can lead to long-term benefits for your body, mind, and overall well-being. The first few moments after waking up can be incredibly powerful if used wisely, setting you up for success.
Below are five transformative morning habits that have the potential to change your life:
1) Natural Stretch
Stretching in the morning might seem like a simple, routine activity, but its benefits extend far beyond just increasing flexibility. When you perform gentle stretches as soon as you wake up, you’re essentially giving your body the time and space it needs to lubricate your joints and prepare for the day ahead. It’s a low-impact exercise that brings multiple health benefits.
Why is it Important?
➤Lubricates the joints and increases flexibility: Stretching helps lubricate the joints by improving the synovial fluid circulation, which can reduce the risk of stiffness and injuries.
➤Increases blood circulation: Stretching helps get your blood pumping, increasing circulation to your muscles, organs, and tissues, which ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently distributed throughout your body.
➤Body feels energetic: When your muscles are stretched and blood is circulating, your body feels more energized and less sluggish, which is perfect for tackling the tasks ahead.
➤Brain gets activated: Stretching also activates the brain. This can result in enhanced mental clarity and better focus throughout the day.
➤Reduces the risk of heart stroke: By improving circulation, stretching also helps in reducing the risk of strokes and heart issues, as it maintains healthy blood flow.
Incorporating a 5-10 minute stretch routine each morning can go a long way in keeping your muscles supple, your body energized, and your mind alert. Simple stretches such as forward bends, side stretches, or even a gentle cat-cow stretch can work wonders.
2) Drink Water (2-4 Glasses)
Hydration is one of the most overlooked aspects of health, yet it plays a vital role in maintaining our overall wellness. Drinking water immediately after waking up is crucial, as your body has gone several hours without hydration during sleep. Replenishing your body with water sets your metabolism in motion and offers a variety of health benefits.
Why is it Important?
➤Kickstarts metabolism: Drinking water helps rehydrate your body, signaling your system to start working, which increases your metabolic rate and helps you burn calories throughout the day.
➤Cuts extra fat: By hydrating early, your body can more efficiently break down fat cells and use them for energy.
➤Increases bowel movements: A hydrated body encourages proper digestion, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
➤Eliminates toxins and belly fat: Water helps flush out toxins from the body, reducing bloating and promoting a flatter belly.
➤Improves skin glow and hair health: Hydrating your body early in the day is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration, which can lead to clearer, more glowing skin. Similarly, hydrated hair looks shinier and healthier.
💧 Tip: Start by drinking 2-4 glasses of water (room temperature or lukewarm) after waking up, and gradually increase the quantity as your body gets used to the morning hydration routine.
Also read - 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Warm Water Every Morning
3) Wash Your Eyes (Avoid using phone/laptop)
After a long night of sleep, your eyes deserve a good rinse to remove any accumulated impurities and rehydrate. One of the most beneficial yet simple habits you can adopt is to wash your eyes with cool water upon waking up.
Why is it Important?
➤Improves eyesight: Washing your eyes first thing in the morning can help clear out any mucus, dust, or irritants that may have accumulated overnight, reducing eye strain.
➤Cools eyes: The coolness of the water refreshes the eyes, calming irritation, especially for those who suffer from dryness or fatigue from prolonged screen time.
➤Reduces redness: The cooling effect helps soothe any redness or puffiness around the eyes.
➤Reduces eye infections: Regularly washing your eyes with clean water can help prevent infections like conjunctivitis.
➤Decreases sensitivity to light: Splashing water on your eyes early helps in decreasing sensitivity to light, particularly if you have light-sensitive eyes in the morning.
💧 Tip: Fill your mouth with water and gently splash water on your eyes 15–20 times for a refreshing start. This simple ritual can prevent irritation and help your eyes feel more awake.
4) Oil Pulling – Reap Good Benefits
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. While it might seem strange at first, the benefits of oil pulling are impressive and contribute significantly to your oral health. It’s a natural, easy way to boost oral hygiene and can be done while you're getting ready for the day.
Why is it Important?
➤Prevents bad breath: Oil pulling is an effective remedy for halitosis (bad breath). Swishing oil helps remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, which significantly improves breath freshness.
➤Prevents mouth ulcers: Regular oil pulling has been shown to reduce the occurrence of mouth ulcers.
➤Removes plaque: The swishing action helps remove food particles and plaque buildup, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
➤Reduces gum problems: Oil pulling helps strengthen gums, reducing inflammation and promoting better overall gum health.
➤Whiten teeth: It helps naturally whiten your teeth by removing stains and plaque.
➤Turns lips pink: Oil pulling can help nourish the lips, keeping them soft and pink.
➤Prevents wrinkles and shapes the jawline: The act of swishing oil has been linked to improved muscle tone in the jaw, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
🛢️ Tip: Use 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Spit it out, and then rinse your mouth with warm water.
5) First Meal – Eating the Right Foods
After completing the above morning rituals, your body will be ready to receive nourishment. Your first meal after oil pulling should be light and easy on the digestive system. This could include something simple like a smoothie, a bowl of fruits, or a light soup. This meal acts as a gentle fuel for your body, preparing it for a larger breakfast later in the morning.
Why is it Important?
➤After oil pulling, eat your first light meal: Your body is now detoxified, and a light meal ensures that your digestive system isn’t overwhelmed after the oil-pulling process.
➤30 minutes later, you can have your regular breakfast: Eating a light first meal allows your body to properly absorb nutrients before you indulge in your regular breakfast.
➤Choose your first meal based on your health condition or goals: For example, if you're looking to lose weight, a high-protein, low-carb meal might be ideal. If you're aiming for more energy, consider a meal that includes complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
The bottom line:
Incorporating these five morning habits into your daily routine may seem like a small change, but they can have a lasting impact on your health. By focusing on hydration, oral care, and mindful nutrition from the moment you wake up, you’re setting yourself up for a productive and energized day. Try integrating these habits one by one, and watch as your mornings and ultimately your life transform!