Experts advise waking up to some physical movement and intention setting, adding mindfulness to your morning skincare routine, and steering clear of your smartphone
Morning wellness enthusiasts often sing the praises of elaborate routines, but for the busiest among us, simpler strategies can hold equal power. Navi Hughes, psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Empower Mental Health, regularly coaches women whose calendars read like impossible jigsaw puzzles, insisting that even minimal efforts pay dividends: “You can get to work a little earlier and go for a walk to set your intentions for the day. You can wake up just 15 minutes earlier or block time in your calendar for mind resets,” she says. Hughes also points out how even one or two minutes of gentle stretches, jumping jacks or brisk walking can upgrade a chaotic morning. “Stepping outside for 30 seconds for fresh air, deep breaths and sunlight can truly set the stage,” she adds.
And Hughes isn’t exaggerating the transformative powers of movement. Any physical activity, however low-key, can flush anxiety from your system, lowering cortisol and boosting dopamine. Think of it as a spa day for your brain, minus the fluffy robes and cucumber water. “The effects are phenomenal – it lifts your mood, brings clarity, energy, creativity, and increases productivity. And all it takes is 10 minutes of walking,” Hughes explains, adding that fresh air and sunlight – or even its chic alternative, luxury wellness lamps from brands like Lumie – can genuinely enhance our mood and mental clarity.
