5 things you shouldn’t do in the morning

Typical mistakes that almost everyone makes in the morning.

2 min

©JGI Jamie Grill

By Lisa Gutknecht
June 15, 2022

Why trust us?

My start to the day almost always looks the same. Like most people, I have a fixed routine that I only deviate from on the weekends: jump out of bed after the alarm rings, briefly check my emails or Instagram, drink a coffee — and then I’m off to my desk. I would not have expected several bad habits to have crept in here. In this article, we’ll show you which typical morning routines are anything but healthy.

#1 Jump out of bed immediately

Are you one of those people who wakes up before the alarm clock goes off and jumps out of bed straight away? No matter how much energy you have early in the morning, it’s better to take it slow. A rushed start to the day sends a signal to your body: danger ahead! Your system releases stress hormones, which can have a negative effect on your health in the long run. Read more here about cortisol and what it does to your body.

By the way, the opposite is also not so good for you: sleep experts such as Reena Mehra at the Cleveland Clinic in the US strongly advise against snoozing. The short sleep cycles between alarms are anything but restful and tend to make you sluggish throughout the day.

#2 Looking at your cell phone straight after waking up

According to a study, 80 percent of smartphone users check Instagram, news, WhatsApp, etc. within 15 minutes of waking up: an unhealthy habit, as looking at your cell phone triggers unnecessary stress for most people that accompanies them throughout the day. This makes them less productive and efficient in the long run. Use the first minutes in the morning for meditation, breathing exercises or some morning exercise.

#3 Not eating breakfast

Skipping breakfast isn’t always unhealthy. Many fitness experts swear by intermittent fasting. But there are also dissenting voices: according to a current study , people who skip breakfast may tend to eat unhealthily throughout the day and often suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Especially if you’re prone to cravings and often feel sluggish, you’re better off eating a little in the morning. Here you’ll also find many delicious and healthy breakfast recipes.

#4 Drinking coffee first thing

But first, coffee! Can’t do without your morning coffee? Don’t worry — you don’t have to give it up, but going forward you should eat breakfast first and then reach for your favorite hot beverage. According to a new scientific study , having coffee immediately after waking up can mess up your blood sugar levels. If you want to do your body good, drink a big glass of water first.

#5 Brushing your teeth after eating

Brushing your teeth is an integral part of morning hygiene. For fresh breath and a radiant smile, most people understandably grab their toothbrush after breakfast. However, it’s healthier when done in a different order. One study shows that brushing your teeth stimulates saliva production, which helps break down food. You’ll also protect your tooth enamel, which most foods attack. If you brush after eating, however, your tooth structure can suffer. In other words: first put in the work, then allow yourself the pleasure!

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