The benefits of a morning routine to help you start your day feeling fresh and focused

Starting your day with purpose and intent can have a profound impact on your success at work and in your personal life. A personal morning routine that includes getting enough sleep, hydrating your body, and getting exposure to natural light, can help set the tone for a productive and energised day. Establishing consistent daily habits such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness, can also help you to take care of your physical and mental health.

According to research from Private Client by Bupa¹, business leaders and wealth creators across the world are already taking steps to improve their good health by establishing an effective daily routine. Almost a third of respondents report that they’re careful to ‘eat well,’ stay hydrated and engage in mindfulness exercises or meditation, while a quarter prioritise sleeping well, and setting aside time for themselves.

However, even with positive intentions, it can be tricky to make - and keep - a productive and healthy morning routine that is achievable as part of a busy, and often pressured, lifestyle. Dr Leah Jones, Head of Behavioural Insights for Bupa Global & UK offers these ideas to get you started:

1. Wake up at the same time each day
   This helps to regulate your body's internal clock and makes it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
2. Incorporate exercise into your routine
   Whether it's a short walk, a yoga class, or a full workout, if you can incorporate physical activity into your morning routine, it can help to improve your overall health.
3. Take time for yourself
   Whether it's meditation, journaling, or reading; taking time to do something you enjoy can help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
4. Plan your day in advance
   Take time to plan out your day and set goals for what you want to accomplish. This will help you to stay focused and on track.
5. Be flexible
   What works for one person may not work for another. Be open to trying new things and adjust your routine as needed.
6. Keep to your routine as much as possible when travelling
   It can be tempting to let go of your good habits but maintaining your morning routine while travelling is essential for staying on track.

Dr Leah also highlights the importance of finding ways to make the habits stick: “When it comes to achieving your desired habits and behaviours, setting specific and achievable goals is key.”

“To turn a one-off behaviour into a habit requires consistency, patience, and discipline. You might find it useful to create an action plan, breaking down larger goals into smaller, specific steps, or to start with one or two new actions and build from there. Most importantly, always practice self-compassion and recognise that building habits is a journey and that setbacks are normal.”

Private Client by Bupa offers premium private health insurance that goes beyond health cover. The Ultimate Global Health Plan provides a complete concierge service and award-winning medical cover at home or abroad provided by Bupa Global, with rich, proactive, preventive wellbeing benefits that are designed to be used.

For more information on Private Client by Bupa, visit  bupaprivateclient.com  or call 0371 346 0407.

1. Private Client by Bupa research –- conducted by Censuswide in July 2021

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