(SP) Science continues to support the benefits of waking up early. One study published in Nature Communications showed that  being genetically programmed to rise early may be causally associated with greater well-being and a lower risk of schizophrenia and depression. The key to reaping the benefits of waking up early is to have a morning routine that includes rituals that provide health benefits. While everyone has to do what is best for them, here are some ideas that are easy to incorporate and could help jumpstart a successful morning.

Get Moving in the Morning and it Might Help at Night

One study showed that the morning may be the most beneficial time to engage in aerobic exercise in order to enhance nighttime blood pressure changes and the quality of sleep. Whether you take the dog for a walk, jump on a mini-trampoline (but be careful!), or practice yoga, choose an enjoyable exercise to add to your morning routine.

Consider Supplements – Even in Drinks Like Hot Cocoa

Cocoa flavanols, which promote healthy blood flow benefitting both the heart and brain, are found in cocoa beans and are why cocoa beans are considered one of nature’s “superfoods.” However, don’t just reach for any hot cocoa product because ordinary chocolate and cocoa powder found at the grocery store rarely contain the efficacious amount of flavanols seen in a number of studies.  The flavanols are usually destroyed in processing – and therefore, a lot of calories, fat and sugar must be consumed . However, flavanols can be found in supplement forms with a guaranteed 450 mg of flavanols, with very few calories. One option, for example is the  CocoaVia™ Cocoa Flavanol Powdered Drink Mix  which comes in 4 delicious flavors, so you  can be creative with your morning drink options.

Meditate

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindful meditation can help ease psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain. There is no reason to start any day with anxiety and doing that will surely not help with a productive day. If you only have a few minutes, try to quiet your brain and experience the powerful benefits of mediation. Need help? Start here.

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” morning routine, there are many rituals that can be added to the morning to help increase productivity and improve health. Tomorrow, instead of reaching for that snooze button, try adding one (or all!) of these ideas to your morning and see for yourself if it’s worth waking up early for!

© 2020 Silver Disobedience Inc.