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7 morning habits you need to give up

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If you are an early riser, chances are you have made a few things part of your routine to get you into overdrive. But what you don’t know is that some of these habits are not as healthy as you think they may be. As compiled from the Men’s Health magazine, eatsmartgoraw.com and weather.com, here are seven things you should avoid and their alternatives to ensure your day starts on a good note.  

Starting your day with tea: A Pakistani favourite, chai has high acid quotient. Instead of drinking tea, start your day with lemon water. Tea is, by no means, unhealthy, but drinking it on an empty stomach causes suppression of gastric-juice secretions and can stimulate your gastric mucosa, causing you to lose your appetite. If you can’t help but start your day with tea, have a glass of water before you drink it.

Jumping out of bed: If you get out of bed with a jerk and don’t spend time stretching, you can hurt your muscles. Stretching improves your circulation and helps your muscles ease back into action after a long night of immobility. A quick stretch helps guard your body and mind against morning stress, ensuring a more productive day.

Keeping the blinds shut: Missing out on morning sunlight affects your body mass index, found a new study from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Exposure to natural light helps set your internal clock and regulate your energy level early in the morning. Open those blinds and let the sunshine in while you get ready for work and, if you can, have your breakfast by a window.

Working out on an empty stomach: Head out for your morning jog or lifting session without eating and you risk being gruff and hazy all day long, according to research published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal, USA. It can cause muscle loss and affect the kidneys and liver. When you’re hungry, your body goes into survival mode and draws protein away from muscle. So, eat before you gym.

Reducing protein intake: Waiting until lunch or dinner to get your protein fix is not the best way to start your day or build muscle. According to a new study from the University of Texas, increasing protein intake, especially in the morning, can enhance energy levels, reduce edginess and mood swings, and sharpen brain function. Protein has a stabilising effect on blood sugar and can spruce up a dull morning.

Losing your composure: According to mood researcher Dr Allison G Harvey, who is a professor of psychology at the University of California, morning bad moods last only for about 20 minutes. Being unruffled and composed in the morning is vital for a good day. Listen to soothing sounds, such as chirping and embrace the morning breeze to maintain your composure.

Missing out on ‘me’ time: Instead of rushing out the door, set aside 10 minutes for yourself. Whether you use that time to read the paper or have breakfast with your family, taking time out for yourself can help you start the work day with a more optimistic approach.

Compiled By: Umnia Shahid

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2014.

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