Creating A Morning Routine That Works For Seniors

A routine that works can make the entire day more productive and easier to manage, whether you’re a senior or not. But, if you don’t have one already in place, starting to create one can be difficult when so many other things seem like they’re demanding your attention first thing in the morning. However, once you get used to it, you’ll realize just how much of an improvement it makes and wonder why you didn’t start earlier! Follow these steps to create your morning routine that works so you can enjoy life more today and each day afterward.

Start Your Day With Gratitude

Studies show that seniors who begin their day with gratitude are more likely to improve their overall mood and outlook throughout their day. It’s important to acknowledge all that you have in your life and how far you’ve come. Reminding yourself of all the things you are grateful for doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming; it can be as simple as reading one letter from an old friend. After waking, grab a piece of paper and write three reasons you’re grateful. Read these notes each moment you need a reminder. Remembering what you have makes it easier to move past any negativity or concerns that may arise throughout your day.

Prepare Your Body For The Day

Exercising in the morning, while your body temperature is still relatively low, requires more effort from your muscles and heart. Therefore, it can be incredibly beneficial to health and longevity. Exercise has other benefits for seniors. It improves blood flow and mobility by helping decrease pain and joint stiffness. A study from Oregon State University suggests aerobic exercise can even help slow age-related mental decline by increasing blood flow to brain cells, consequently improving aging adults’ memory and spatial orientation skills. Research also shows that just 30 minutes of daily walking can reduce fall risk among seniors by 50 percent compared to non-exercisers.

Eat A Nutritious Breakfast

Breakfast is an important meal to fuel your body for your day. If you’re in a rush or simply not feeling well, it can be easy to just skip breakfast and wait until lunch to eat. However, eating a nutritious breakfast is essential for seniors. Start your morning with a healthy breakfast of whole-grain toast and peanut butter, followed by fresh fruit or yogurt. Not only will you have energy for your day ahead but also promote good cardiovascular health.

Try Different Morning Routines Until You Find One That Works Best For You

There is no one-size-fits-all morning routine that works for everyone. After all, we’re all at different places in our lives. So finding a morning routine that works best for you as a senior will likely take some trial and error. Try using a combination of these suggestions to create your ideal morning routine: Do something you enjoy every day—like listening to music or catching up on your favorite blogs or newspapers. These positive activities can help get you into a positive mindset for whatever lies ahead for you that day. Be sure not to skip meals, though, because breakfast is especially important for seniors, so try eating something healthy within an hour of waking up.