5 Biohacks To Optimize Your Morning Routine
If you are currently reading this in a hazed, half-asleep state, wondering where the morning went, chances are you need to revamp and optimize your morning routine!
The majority of people leave the first 60 minutes of their morning to chance and miss out on starting the day the best way possible, not realizing that these 60 minutes should be considered the most important of the day! This is where you set the tone, pace, and mood for the day ahead!
Cue, BIOHACKING! Biohacking does not have to necessarily entail fancy technology and gadgets or expensive therapies, there are tons of simple, highly effective, hacks you can incorporate into your lifestyle today!
Before we get into the 5 Biohacks, it should be noted that Biohacking is about finding what works for YOU, not everyone else. Get to know what’s right for you, not what somebody tells you is right – fact of the matter is, you know your mind/body best! For example, it doesn’t matter what time you wake up, in-fact forcing yourself to wake earlier or later than what feels right for you could do more harm than good.
Alright, let’s get started!
1) HYDRATE:
WHY?
You’ve just been sleeping for 6-8 hours (hopefully) and your body/brain is dehydrated. Hydration can impact focus, memory, anxiety, and energy so rehydrating and replenishing electrolytes should be a PRIORITY upon waking.
HOW?
Consume 500ml of room temperature water (has been shown to be the most effective)
+ a squeeze of lemon juice (great for the immune system, hydration and digestion)
+ a pinch of Himalayan salt (rich in natural electrolytes and trace minerals)
2) SUNLIGHT:
WHY?
Humans are diurnal animals, we are active during the day time and our activity/rest patterns are governed by an internal clock, the circadian rhythm. So how does this work? Well, in layman terms: The sun rises, blue light levels rise, we become active and begin producing serotonin. The sunsets, blue light levels decrease, we become less active and switch over to melatonin production.
HOW?
Open the blinds, sit by the window, step outside - just exposure your skin to the natural light for a few minutes in the morning to sync your circadian rhythm and let nature do its job!
** This is a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude, or get some movement in!
3) MOVEMENT:
WHY?
Once again, you have just been inactive for the past 6-8 hours, and its time to get the gears turning and blood flowing! It should be noted that this is not a suitable replacement for exercise, this is rather defined as a “morning primer”. Ideally, your movement or AKA “Morning Primer” should engage as much of your body as possible and also work on mobility/flexibility.
HOW?
It’s not about intensity but rather consistency here, 5-10 minutes of light movement to get the blood flowing is all you need. Yoga, foam rolling, a brief walk, or even some jumping jacks are all effective and simple examples of how to get your “Morning Primer” in!
4) MINDFULNESS:
WHY?
Perspective is key to everything and something as simple as “practicing gratitude” does exactly that! It changes the perspective of how you're feeling, it shifts to focus towards what makes us feel good! Think about it, how can you be upset or angry when you are focused on what makes you happy?
HOW?
- Gratitude - Try writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day in a notebook or on your phone. Alternatively, you can do this mentally and tell yourself 3 things you are grateful for each day!
- Breathwork - There are several great techniques. However, i recommend the Whim Hoff method. While sitting in a comfortable place, take 30 quick, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Then, take a deep breath and exhale; hold until you need to breathe in. Inhale again, as deep as you can, and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat as many times as you like.
- Meditation/Visualisation - Find a comfortable position, breathe and center your thoughts
There are several ways to practice mindfulness/gratitude. These are just simple starting points.
5) NOOTROPICS:
WHY?
Depending on your goals/needs, there are various supplements that can be used to enhance and optimize your performance, AKA Nootropics. Nootropics present significant benefits for improving cognitive performance. If you’re looking to optimize memory, learning, attention span, focus or alertness, consuming a nootropic may be an excellent solution, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle and diet of course!
The same way that millions of people turn to gym supplements and vitamins for a boost on the sports field, you can do the same in your day-to-day life for mental performance and cognitive optimization!
HOW?
Get started with these functional and effective nootropic supplements!
- Prime Mind - Daily memory, clarity and brain health nootropic
- Total Focus - Mental energy and focus formulation
- Shroom Elixir - 3-in-one mushroom elixir for total mind and body optimization
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
You’re now ready for the day ahead, no matter what, a morning routine should be simple, effective, and sustainable. The less decision and work required, the better. Which is why I like to refer to this as OPTIMIZATION. We have a limited capacity on how many decisions we can make in a day and by creating a routine and forming habits, you reducing the relative effort involved and ultimately, an effective biohack.
The key here is to prepare your mind and body in the morning so you can manage how you react, respond and tackle the unknown of the day to come!
So wake up, #GetOptimized and start taking control of YOUR day!