March is National Nutrition Month: Tips for creating a morning routine for success

by Jill Fleming, MS, RD
Dietitian at Veterans Memorial Hospital

 
Successful people develop routines so they can reduce friction in their lives and focus on what they do best. For example: Steve Jobs wore a daily uniform of a black turtleneck, blue jeans and white sneakers. His goal was to make as few daily decisions as necessary, as he had too many other important decisions to make. This simple routine clearly paid off, as he made the company Apple very successful.

Another habit of super successful people, according to Forbes, is that they utilize the early morning hours to exercise. Early rising is a common trait found in many CEOs, government officials and other influential people such as: Margaret Thatcher, Frank Lloyd Wright and Robert Iger (the CEO of Disney). If you are planning to make some positive changes to your life, the best way to start each day is with a “Morning Routine for Success.”

This is a simple morning routine for success that may help you reach your New Year’s resolutions quicker and easier. Your morning routine for success actually begins the night before with a little planning. Start by setting your alarm clock an hour earlier than you would normally. If you tend to hit the snooze button, plan to put your alarm clock on the other side of the room.

Decide what you will do for exercise in the morning. It may be marching in place to music, doing an exercise video, riding an exercise bike or dancing to some music. Get your exercise area set up so you don’t have to think about it in the morning. Finally, place your exercise clothes for the morning in your bathroom or other area where you can quickly get dressed without waking others.

When your alarm goes off in the morning, count backwards from 5 to 1 and blast yourself out of bed. I know this sounds silly, but it works (credit for this trick goes to Mel Robbins). Do not look back at your bed. Go directly to the bathroom and get dressed in your exercise clothes. Pour yourself a big glass of water and start exercising.

Most of us will want to exercise for 30 minutes in the morning, but you can go longer if you are enjoying it and have the time. Spend a portion of your exercise time (10-15 minutes) doing a little gratitude work. Think about how grateful you are for everything in your life and be grateful for all the wonderful things you are attracting into your life.

Drink at least 20-32 ounces of water during and after your exercise to rehydrate your body. Make your first meal of the day healthy with whole grains, fruit, vegetables and high-quality protein. Easy examples:  a green smoothie made with frozen fruit, spinach and milk or milk substitute; oatmeal with chopped nuts and berries; an omelet loaded with vegetables and topped with salsa.

Now that your mind will be alert and your blood circulating, make the plan for your day with the most important task to be completed first. Visualize your day running smoothly with everything flowing perfectly. You will be amazed at how committing to this simple morning routine will positively impact your mind, body and entire life.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, call the dietitians at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.