Exercise

Waking up with the sun can often feel like a challenge, especially when the comfort of a warm bed proves too tempting. But for those looking to seize the day, incorporating exercise into your morning routine can set a positive tone that ripples through every subsequent hour. Engaging in physical activity shortly after rising not only jumpstarts your metabolism but also releases endorphins that boost mood and sharpen mental clarity.

Getting your body moving in the morning might seem like a daunting task, but the secret lies in making exercise a habitual part of your dawn chorus. An effective way to do this is by preparing the night before. Lay out your workout clothes, fill up your water bottle, and if you're one for a pre-workout snack, have something healthy and accessible. This reduces friction when the alarm clock goes off and simplifies the groggy decision-making process.

Indeed, the type of exercise you choose can have a significant impact on whether your morning workout habit sticks. It’s crucial to pick activities that you actually enjoy. Whether it's a brisk walk, a cycle around the neighborhood, yoga stretches, or an upbeat dance routine, the key is to connect with the joy of movement rather than treating it as a chore. When exercise is something to look forward to rather than dread, motivation naturally follows.

Consistency is the backbone of habit formation, and morning workouts are no different. Aiming to exercise at the same time each day can condition your body to expect and prepare for physical activity. This routine can become as natural as brushing your teeth or brewing your morning cup of coffee. And just like any other habit, the more you stick to it, the easier it becomes. The trick is to stay committed even on days when your enthusiasm wanes – the sense of accomplishment after a workout is often reward enough to encourage you next time.

For many, the morning is a quiet time before the demands of the day begin to pile up, making it an ideal window for a workout. It's a chance to have some 'me time', to focus on personal goals and well-being before attending to work, family, and other responsibilities. This isn't just about physical health; it's about setting a disciplined, self-caring tone for the day. The impact of a morning workout extends beyond calories burned or muscles toned – it's an investment in your overall vitality.

Commit to just a few minutes of physical activity each morning and you may find that it grows into a longer session naturally. Remember, your morning workout isn't a race or competition. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate each day that you make the choice to move your body. The journey to a healthier lifestyle begins with a single step, and there's no better time to take that step than first thing in the morning.

Track your Morning habits

The MyHabits app helps you with tracking this and many other habits related to health, home care and daily routines. Reminders, notification and weekly status reports assist you in getting good habits in and bad habits out.

The MyHabits app will be available for iPhone in early 2024. A version for Android will follow a few weeks later.