7 Morning “Hacks” For An Amazing Day

7  Morning “Hacks” For A Great Day

I have written in a past blog about things I do every morning so start my day. If you missed that Blog 8 Morning Secrets To A Great Day, you can access it here:http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/8-morning-secrets-to-a-great-day/

As I progress along my own journey towards better health, I continue to learn through reading and listening to Podcasts as well as self-testing new ideas and things on my own body. I have a few new secrets that I use in order to start my morning off in the right direction that makes me feel amazing.

I try to do each of these things every morning and I find that the more of these things I do each morning, the better I feel. I would suggest that if you don’t do any of these things at present that you start with one or two and then add others down the road. If you are currently doing a few of these things (congratulations!) you may want to add a few of these ideas to your morning routine. 

I have tried to outline what I do each morning as well as outline the order that I typically do things. However, I must say that the very first thing I do out of bed that I didn’t include in the list is going to the washroom!

1.Filtered warm lemon water

The first thing I do when I roll out of bed is to go downstairs and pour a glass of filtered water, add freshly squeezed lemon and also add a little warm water. This is a great way to do a final cleanse of the system before the day as well as to provide the body with much-needed water and minerals along with some very healthy natural lemon. The reason I drink warm lemon water is that I have learned that warm water is easier to digest and will also do a better job cleansing the body of all the toxins that the body has attempted to get rid of while sleeping.

2.Morning Workout or Easy Exercise

Depending on my schedule and also my training season and training schedule, I either do an early morning workout or do some easy exercise. During triathlon season this workout would include an early morning run, swim or bike and in the offseason weights, very easy cardio or even a stretching routine. In terms of sports drinks, if I am doing an easy workout I am already hydrated from my healthy lemon water however if I am doing a more intense workout I would also have a sugar free sports hydrating drink such as Vega or Boost during my workout.

3.The Morning Shake

Typically after my morning workout, I would make and drink my 2 litre Morning Shake. I believe this is the single most important thing in my day as it provides my system with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that it needs to start the day. For those that have read my blog, you know how much emphasis I put on the morning shake in order to start your journey towards better health. If you want to refresh yourself on my recipe you can access it here on The Morning Shake http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/the-morning-shakenew-recipe/

4.Vitamins

I have an assortment of vitamins that I take each morning. I meet with our Advica Doctor as well as our Nutritionist every 3 or 4 months and they help me figure out the vitamins I need based on my blood tests, my activity level as well as any deficiencies that may be present based on my blood tests. For example, If I am in heavy training mode or under a lot of stress they would possibly suggest an increase in Vitamin C and perhaps suggest naturopathic drops to help keep my immune system in check.

5.Cold Shower

Through educating myself, I have determined that there are many health benefits of a Cold Shower (as painful as it is)!. Many of the longest living people in the world start the day with a cold shower. I remember one of my best friends at University from Norway who was an amazing athlete started each day with a cold shower.

After I soap and shampoo (of course natural organic products), I then turn the water to full cold and let it run on my head, my back and the back of my neck for about 2 minutes. You will not believe how amazing and awake your body feels after having your cold shower. It takes a few weeks to get used to the cold but I guarantee that it will make you feel amazing! One tip I have learned is when you turn your temperature to cold, take some long and deep breaths and as my daughter, Lauren says “Breath through it”!

6.Organic Americano Coffee

One of the things that our family really loves and takes pride in is our morning coffee. We have a number of different ways to brew our coffee Free pour, French Press, Espresso, Americano, Percolator) and I even have a hand operated coffee grinder to get the best and freshest coffee. 

There are two things that I try to do when I drink or order coffee from a health standpoint. The first is where possible, I always order an American or Espresso Coffee. I have learned that this type of coffee is less acidic than regular coffee which I find is easier on the stomach. I also find that when I drink regular drip coffee, sometimes I feel jittery however by ordering Espresso or Americano it doesn’t have the same effect.

The other thing I have learned is the importance of ordering or having Organic Coffee. Organic Coffee is similar to organic fruits and vegetables in that it limits the chances of pesticides being used during the growing process.

7.Intermittent Fasting

I will be doing a future blog on Intermittent fasting as there has been a lot of buzz in the health circles about the benefits of Intermittent fasting. One way to accomplish this which I find quite easy is to do a nightly “fast” where possible. I try to aim for at least a 12 hour fast where possible. I find this quite easy to accomplish as if I have dinner at 7:00 pm and don’t eat anything again until 7:00 a.m. the following morning, this would be a 12 hour fast. Where possible I fast even longer than this. This type of “evening fast” gives the system a break as much of the energy expended during the night is on digestion of the days’ food. If we give our body a break before going to bed as well as all night, the body can rest and repair which is what our body is designed to do during the night time. 

So there you have it. Those are my 7 Morning Hacks To A Great Day!

1. Have a glass of warm lemon water first thing

2. Engage in Morning Exercise

3. Have The Morning Shake

4. Have your Vitamins

5. Have a Cold Shower

6. If you have coffee, ensure it is Organic

7. Don’t eat after dinner 

I would suggest you try a few of these things that have worked for me and you will be feeling even better in no time!

Wishing you a healthy, love life day,

Kev