Kickstarting your day with simple morning rituals can help you feel energised and focused. Yet new data from Kellogg’s revealed that almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) are completely inactive in the morning.
Improving health is the biggest motivation for moving more, with more than a quarter (28%) saying it’s their main driver*.
Breakfast still plays a functional role for over half (53%) of those in Edinburgh, who eat it to fuel themselves for the day*. Although this isn’t the only factor to help beat the afternoon slump, as staying energised rarely comes down to a quick fix.
Lejla Damon, Senior Brand Manager from Kellogg’s, shares six tips to help Glaswegians improve their morning routine and embrace the day ahead:
Rave-olution
Waking up with a song and a dance can really boost those dopamine levels, leaving you feeling on top of the world. Seeing some friendly faces and listening to great tunes, paired with a balanced breakfast, is a recipe for success. Research* shows that dance sparks feel good vibes of joy (29%), energy (36%), freedom (25%) and even a touch of nostalgia (15%) for individuals in Edinburgh. Morning raves are really having a moment – especially with the over-50s – and are a fantastic way to wake up. Six in ten indiiduals in Edinburgh (60%) admitted they’d be keen to try new activities, so look out for events in your local area – you won’t regret it!
Light Movement
Starting your day with some light movement and exercise is one of life’s simplest mood boosters – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Sure, a gym or Pilates class can help you feel energised from the outset, but don’t underestimate the benefits of a brisk walk and exposure to natural sunlight. Almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) admit they are completely inactive in the morning, with nearly half (45%) opting for a walk over other types of physical activity, take advantage of those brighter mornings with a stroll around your local area. It’s a great way to get your steps in and help to focus your mind for the day ahead.
Never Hit Snooze
By mid-morning, almost four in ten individuals in Edinburgh (37%) feel ‘fine’ but admit they could feel better. Hitting snooze in the morning can be extremely tempting – we’ve all been there. But it’s known to throw off your body clock, which can sometimes lead to grogginess that lasts well into the morning. Try placing your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room so you’re forced to spring out of bed to silence it. This breaks the three-second habit of hitting snooze and creates a gap so you can consciously choose to stay awake. Natural sunlight is also a fantastic alarm clock, so keep the blinds slightly open to boost alertness in the mornings. And, of course, don’t underestimate the night before. Put yourself on a digital curfew 30 minutes before you go to sleep, allowing the brain to switch off.
Routine is Key
Morning routines are necessary because they can provide structure and a clear mind for the rest of the day, helping to reduce stress first thing. Having small habits provides an early sense of achievement before you take on the day. If you don’t have the time to get out for a walk or workout, take 15 minutes to do some sort of movement at home, at your own pace. A few jumping jacks or light stretching will do the trick – or a quick dance! And if you have a garden, get outside and embrace the natural sunlight. It’s known to be a great mood booster.
Morning Fuel
Breakfast is an important start to the day, with more than half of those in Edinburgh (53%) saying they eat it to fuel themselves for the day. It is widely recognised by global nutrition organisations that those who eat breakfast cereal on a regular basis tend to have better overall nutrition intakes and diet quality compared to those who don’t1.
Many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, providing sources of important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin D1, and in most cases provide a source of fibre or are high in fibre – something which most UK adults continue to fall short of in their daily diets2. So, why not start your morning with a high fibre breakfast cereal, such as Kellogg’s Special K Original, which is fortified with a range of vitamins to help support energy** when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Positive Mindset
Positive thinking first thing in the morning can lead to a positive attitude and a brighter mood for the rest of the day, helping you tackle whatever life throws at you. A good morning routine is not just about what you do, but how it makes you feel. It’s about creating small, positive habits that add up to a big difference in your overall wellbeing.
