Senior Living News

Benefits of a Morning Routine in Retirement

If you don't have anywhere to be, it might be tempting to sleep in and start your day without any real structure. However, you might notice some major benefits if you add a little more routine to your morning. Some of the perks include:

• Improved cognitive performance: A study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh showed waking up consistently early and staying active helps older adults achieve better on cognitive tests than peers with irregular activity patterns.
• Increased productivity: Starting with specific tasks can help you feel productive and could continue through the day to help you get more done.
• Taking charge of the day: With a routine, you take control of your day and help set a positive tone. You know what to expect, so you can start the day feeling relaxed and in charge.
• Sense of familiarity: While you may not miss your job, you might miss the structure and routine working gave you. Creating a retirement routine can help you have that sense of familiarity and might make the transition to retirement easier.
• Healthy habits: Your morning routine gives you a chance to start off on a healthy note. You can do that by drinking water, exercising and eating a nutritious breakfast. These positive habits might carry through to the rest of the day to help you live a healthier lifestyle overall.

How to Create a Morning Routine

Even if you haven't created a morning routine, you might have certain things you do each morning. Maybe you always start your day with a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Think about your typical morning, including what time you usually wake up. What works about that routine? What's missing from it?

Consider what types of activities would create a positive start to your day, such as incorporating healthy habits. Including some type of movement and healthy food can help energize you for the day. You can also encourage a positive mood by doing something you enjoy or that makes you feel accomplished.

Things to Include in Your Retirement Routine

Everyone's morning routine looks a little different. However, several common activities fit well into the schedule to help you wake up and get your day started on a positive note. Some things you may want to incorporate into your morning include:

• Taking a shower or bath
• Performing other grooming or beauty tasks
• Exercising
• Getting a dose of sunshine
• Drinking water
• Eating breakfast
• Making your bed
• Creating a to-do list for the day
• Studying the Bible or doing a devotional
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Doing a hobby
• Meeting up with friends
• Taking medications or handling other medical care routines

LifeStream at Glendale offers many amenities and features you can work into your morning routine. You might start by grabbing breakfast in the dining room, reflecting on your faith in the chapel or taking a walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Tips for Making Your Morning Routine Work

Creating a morning retirement routine that works for you could take some time. You might need to test out different activities or adjust the timing of what you do. Here are some tips that can help you settle into a positive, productive routine:

• Set a wake-up time: Starting your activities at the same time each day creates consistency and helps keep your routine on schedule. You might also feel more rested if you go to sleep and wake up at the same time.
• Prepare the night before: Your morning activities go more smoothly when you prepare for them the night before. For instance, you might put out your workout gear if you're going to exercise, or you could gather ingredients for your breakfast so they're ready.
• Get out of bed: No matter how you start your day, getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off helps you get moving. It can help you avoid browsing on your phone or lounging in bed too long and throwing off your schedule.
• Establish early plans: If your friends are waiting for you to meet them for coffee or go for a walk, you have that accountability to encourage you to get up.
• Make it enjoyable: You'll be more likely to stick to it if your routine is enjoyable. Add elements of fun and fulfillment to your mornings.
• Prioritize your activities: Your morning time doesn't have to be like anyone else's. Prioritize how you start your day based on what you want and need.
• Set intentions with your routine: The activities you choose can help you set intentions for the day. If you want to incorporate more moments of faith into your day, you might include prayer, Bible study or devotional time in the schedule. If reduced stress throughout the day is important to you, try yoga, meditation or other relaxing activities.

Your well-designed morning routine can help you get more out of your day.