Page 74 - Southern Oregon Magazine Fall 2021

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OWN YOUR DAY
HABITS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by nisha jackson , phd np hhp

orning Habits to Master Better Energy, Sleep, and MOVE YOUR BODY, NOT YOUR THUMBS
Productivity. Some people leap from bed ready to take
on the day, while others struggle to open one eye at a time Don’t exchange actual morning movement for social media surfing.
Mand escape the gravity of their bed. Either way, getting Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely
into good morning habits will set you on the course for a more produc- to stick with their program. Meanwhile, starting your day with a scroll
tive and positive day. through the latest on your phone (in or out of bed) can mean not having
time to move your body. Working out in the morning fuels you up for
In that aim, here are some things you should STOP doing—that we all a better mood, more sustained energy, fewer cravings, and less overall
love to do—to help start your day naturally more energized: consumption of calories. Win, win, win!

DON’T HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON

If you are one of the millions of people who think the extra 15 min- HOLD OFF ON THE MORNING EMAILS
utes of sleep after your alarm went off will buy you extra energy or
brainpower—think again. Research shows that waking up and getting If you’re answering emails first thing in the morning, before you start
to sleep at the same time each day improves our sleep and energy pat- work, you’re starting your day with unnecessary extra pressure. That
terns. In addition, when you wake up after that snooze, you are likely to pressure can compel you to get to work earlier and sacrifice crucial
be groggier and more disoriented. Avoid the snooze trap and kickstart morning time for meditation, exercise, or family. Taking time in the
your day by getting right out of bed! morning and evening to disconnect from your devices will go a long
way toward making you happier and healthier.

72 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2021