You might not be one of those people who naturally thrives on early mornings, but making the most of your first waking hour is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for the day ahead.
What’s more, rising one hour earlier than usual can have positive ripple effects on your health and wellbeing.
“Power hours are also a good time to delve deep into complex work, demanding tasks or to zone in on wellness. As you are uninterrupted, you have complete focus,” explains Sarah Campus, a nutrition coach and personal trainer (ldnmumsfitness.com).
Self-confessed early risers Kris Jenner, Michelle Obama and Anna Wintour have long cottoned on to the benefits of a healthy morning routine. The former First Lady wakes at 4.30am for a round of cardio and weight-training and has said, “If I don’t exercise, I won’t feel good,” while Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue since 1988, likes to get in an early game of tennis.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston is another crack-of-dawn lover who reportedly drinks a cup of hot water and lemon first thing in the morning to kick-start her metabolism. But it’s not all about exercise and weight loss – actress Viola Davis rises at 5.30am to enjoy a dip in the hot tub as she finds it “meditative”.
The truth is, rejigging your morning routine could be the secret weapon to reaching your goals faster. So, to help you carve out your perfect power hour, here’s what to do and when…
1 5 MINS… SWAP SCROLLING FOR WRITING
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