We all have our various daily habits. From the start of the day to right before we go to bed, there are little rituals that we may perform – some on autopilot, just because we have always done them. For example, for many of us, we may take a shower as soon as we jump out of bed or we may require our caffeine hit as soon as we wake up. However, what does science advocate as a healthy daily routine?
- Skip the shower
This might shock some but according to research, one should not shower every day! Gross as that might sound, there is growing evidence that suggests that showering too much can dry out both your skin and your hair. That’s because, in addition to sloughing off dirt and pollutants, you are also showering away many of the naturally occurring but beneficial bacteria and oil that keep skin and hair healthy. Some are advocating that we only shower every other day!
2. Do not start your day with coffee
Many things naturally happen to our bodies when we wake up. In addition to developing a magical ability to ignore loud noises like an alarm, our bodies also start pumping out the hormone cortisol, a sort of natural caffeine. Most people’s cortisol levels peak sometime between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning. Having coffee as your first drink of the day may actually blunt cortisol’s natural effects.
3. Exercise first thing in the morning
Research suggests that working out first thing in the morning helps speed weight loss and boost energy levels by priming the body for an all-day fat burn. Exercising first thing in the morning may push the body to tap into its fat reserves for fuel instead of simply “burning off” the most recent snack or meal.
Any kind of exercise is a healthy way to start the day, but the type that will have the most benefits for your body and brain is aerobic exercise or cardio. Cardio is the closest thing to a miracle drug that we have. Studies suggest that running or swimming helps to lift mood, clear the mind, and may even help protect from some of the cognitive declines that occur with age. It also strengthens the heart and lungs and helps tone up muscles.
4. Eat a proper breakfast
There are three key ingredients it should have: protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
A couple of eggs with a few avocado slices or some low-fat Greek Yoghurt. Both of these options will fill you up, help smooth out your digestion, and power up your muscles. Importantly, they both fall into a category of diet known as the Mediterranean diet, which research has increasingly suggested is ideal for your brain and body.
*This article is not a replacement for qualified medical advice.
