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.
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is giving customers a helping hand with value restaurant offers in its Edinburgh store.
Customers in Edinburgh can recharge and relax in Dobbies’ restaurant. Whether catching up with friends or spending time with the family, the Dobbies’ team will be on hand, serving hearty breakfasts, lunches and delicious sweet treats throughout the day. Dobbies’ restaurant also offers a dog-friendly area.
Hearty breakfasts for under £5
Kick start the morning and enjoy the most important meal of the day at Dobbies. Customers can order a three-item breakfast roll for just £4.25 and a five-item breakfast for £4.50. Quality produce is at the heart of Dobbies’ breakfasts with succulent pork sausages, thick cut back bacon and free-range eggs. There’s also a vegetarian choice for an alternative breakfast option.
Effortless lunches
Choose from a wide selection of lunch options, including light seasonal dishes such as hearty soups, jacket potatoes and handmade sandwiches or toasties from £4.95, served from 11:30am until 3pm.
Main courses can also be enjoyed daily from 12noon until 3pm. Popular dishes include Dobbies’ sustainable haddock dipped in a gluten-free batter served with chips, peas and tartare sauce, classic lasagne or chicken Caesar salad.
Customers over 60 can tuck into a main meal and a cake for just £9.95, Monday-Friday from 12noon.
Delicious sweet treats
Indulge in a sweet treat at Dobbies and take advantage of this delicious deal. Customers can treat themselves to a traditional or vegetarian Afternoon Tea for two experience for £20 and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, mini cakes and slices, freshly made plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of tea or coffee is included.
Afternoon Tea should be booked online, in advance, at dobbies.com.
If you’re looking for a light afternoon bite, Dobbies’ two for one offer on scones is priced at £3.75 and is available from 2pm.
Kids Eat Free
Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
Adam Veysey, Dobbies Development Chef, said: “We’re committed to offering great tasting and great value meals in our Edinburgh restaurant.
“We’re very aware that people will be controlling their spend this January, so we’ve ensured we’re offering our customers the chance to enjoy eating out for less. With seasonal produce and customer favourites, we have something for all the family.”
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, has today unveiled its plans for the Guinness Six Nations Championship.
Kicking off this weekend, 4 February, rugby fans can treat themselves to special match day breakfasts in the stunning rooftop 1820 Bar, be in with a chance of winning the ultimate match day experience just by visiting the ground floor retail store, snap a selfie with the Guinness Six Nations Trophy, take part in exclusive tastings and more.
Johnnie Walker is the official whisky of the Guinness Six Nations, here’s how Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating:
Guinness Six Nations Breakfast Menu (available 5-6 and 26-27 February from 9.30am-12pm in the 1820 Bar)
Johnnie Walker Big Breakfast:
Sausage, bacon, potato scone, black pudding, haggis, mushrooms and fried egg
Guinness Six Nations Prize Draw (4-23 February in the ground floor retail store)
To enter, simply speak to the team in the Johnnie Walker Princes Street retail store who will guide guests through the process of entering this exclusive prize draw. Winners will be announced on 23 February on the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Instagram.
Prizes include:
Ultimate match day experience which includes 2 x tickets to pre-event plus match. On Friday 25th February, between 10am – 12pm the winner will be invited to have breakfast in one of the hospitality boxes, before heading out into the stadium bowl at BT Murrayfield to watch the Scotland team on their final training session before the match. The winner will also receive 2 x tickets to Scotland vs France on Sat 26th February.
A Scotland Rugby shirt
2 x tickets to the Scotland vs France game
Two tickets to Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers’ Cellar tour worth £190
A bottle of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s fill your own ‘Winter Blend’ worth £80
Johnnie Walker Princes Street staff will guide fans through the ‘Flavour Wheel’ to help them find their perfect whisky, tasting a number of options along the way
Those who make a purchase on Murrayfield match days can store bottles at Johnnie Walker Princes Street free of charge and collect by the following Monday. Free engraving is also being offered for eligible bottles on Murrayfield match days
Guinness Six Nations Trophy Display (22-24 February)
The Guinness Six Nations Championship Trophy will be proudly displayed at Johnnie Walker Princes Street for three days, situated in the ground floor retail space. Fans are invited to come in, snap a selfie with the trophy, and share using #JWPrincesStreet.
Journey of Flavour tours:
Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s flagship experience, the Journey of Flavour tour, continues to wow whisky lovers and novices alike. The perfect follow up to breakfast in the stunning 1820 Bar, guests are taken on a 90 minute exploration of Johnnie Walker’s search for flavour, discovering their own perfect way to enjoy whisky during this one of a kind personalised tour.
A little taste of sunshine is coming your way this Monday! 
Lunch is served 11:30am – 12:30pm
