5 unhealthy morning habits to ditch immediately
According to Moony Koch, a health coach, yoga and pilates teacher, and breathwork facilitator, these five unhealthy habits may be stopping you from succeeding.
How many of us have fallen into the habit of reaching for our phones first thing in the morning?
We can already hear the chorus of "yeses". But if no one has ever told you that this habit isn’t great for your health, let us be the first.
Health coach Moony Koch often talks about how small morning habit changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Recently, she highlighted five unhealthy habits to ditch in the morning – and, unsurprisingly, checking your phone topped the list.
1. Checking your phone
According to Koch, this habit can "negatively impact your mental and physical well-being by disrupting your sleep-wake cycle, increasing stress and anxiety, and leading to cognitive overload and decreased focus for the rest of the day."
Instead, she recommends starting your day in silence. Try meditating, paying attention to your breath, and checking in with how you feel. This simple practice can boost both mental clarity and overall well-being.
2. Caffeine on an empty stomach
We've touched on this before, but it's worth repeating – while caffeine may seem like the perfect wake-up fix, it can actually disrupt your body’s natural cortisol rhythm. This can lead to a less effective wake-up and increase stress and anxiety throughout the day.
Try swapping your morning coffee for a soothing drink of warm water, lemon, salt, and apple cider vinegar. This combo is packed with vitamin C, electrolytes, and alkalising properties, all of which support digestion and help you feel more balanced.
3. Failing to prioritise yourself in the morning
Skipping out on “me-time” can take a toll on your day. Aim to start your day with a healthy dose of self-care – whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, a healthy morning cocktail, or a skincare routine.
"Starting with self-care can improve your overall well-being and set a positive tone for the rest of the day," says Koch.
READ MORE: 5 foods not to eat on an empty stomach
4. Not moving your body
Skipping morning movement can take a toll on your health. After meditation, getting your body moving – even with light stretching or a short walk – can help stimulate your lymphatic system, boost energy levels, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Washing your face
This one might come as a surprise, especially since we’re taught to wash our faces from a young age. But according to Koch, washing your face in the morning can strip away its natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
Koch recommends dry brushing. "Facial dry brushing offers benefits like exfoliation, improved circulation, and lymphatic drainage, potentially leading to smoother, brighter skin, reduced puffiness, and better absorption of skincare products."
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