A morning routine can improve confidence, productivity, and resilience – and have a positive impact on your mental health. When you include mindful activities and practices in your very first waking hour, you set yourself up for the best day possible.

Below we’ll look at:

• Why the first hour of your day is so important 

• What to include in your morning routine

• Herbs to help kickstart your day

As our society increasingly encourages stressful work patterns and fails to prioritise rest, taking charge of your health and happiness is a powerful act of self-care. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Along with incorporating simple habits that feel great, it’s important to avoid those that make you feel sluggish and unproductive – like reaching straight for your phone when your alarm goes off.

Our bodies have their own biological clock and this regulates our circadian rhythm: physical, mental, and behavioural patterns that follow a 24 hour cycle.  Our circadian rhythms are determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, like light exposure and activity levels at certain times of day. 

All of which means that healthy daily practices can keep your whole body in balance and support your wellbeing. 

Why the first hour of your day is so important 

Dr. Robert Carter (author of The Morning Mind) states that the brain is at optimal performance in the early morning, due to the increase in body fluid during sleep. Studies on people suffering from Parkinson's disease found that patients were better at completing complex tasks in the early hours, because fluid in the brain decreases throughout the day.

So, if you wake up at your most productive, creative and intuitive, imagine how quickly that diminishes in the rush to leave the house – while cramming in sugary foods, replying to emails, trying to stay on top of your endless to-do list…you know the drill. 

Taking time as soon as you wake up to gradually get the body’s many systems going can help keep that positivity flowing through your entire day. You’ll be more likely to feel focused, creative, and optimistic as the hours roll on. 

What to include in your morning routine

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of advice out there on how to implement new lifestyle habits, you’re not alone. Just deciding where to begin can seem like a monumental task. And the reality is that it’s hard to create (and commit to) new patterns. Your body might be set in a certain rhythm or have no structure at all – so start simple. Don’t try to change too much in one go, and be gentle on yourself if it takes time for new habits to stick.

Here are just a few great practices for the early morning that encourage a positive feeling throughout your entire day. 

• Eating a healthy breakfast

• Exercising  

• Meditating 

• Goal Setting 

• Adding herbs into your morning routine 

However you choose to build your morning routine, we encourage you to include herbs and plant-based goodness in those precious waking moments. 

How Herbs Can Kickstart Your Day 

Adding herbs into your day can improve physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. By taking the right plant products in the morning, you can create balance throughout the body, setting the digestive and nervous systems up for the day ahead. 

We understand that not everyone has the time for a long, slow morning routine; so we’ve designed a range of morning natural products ideal for creating an uplifting start to your day that doesn’t take a full hour. 

Ginseng offers a caffeine-free energy boost 

Ginseng is well known for its ability to increase energy and vitality. A 2021 study found that the root had a positive effect on people suffering from chronic fatigue.

Ginseng has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, making it a powerful boost for the immune system. Studies like this one from 2014 are uncovering more about its ability to lower blood sugar, and there’s increasing interest in its potential to treat diabetes. 

Siberian ginseng can improve digestion and assist in the absorption of nutrients, making it ideal for the start of your day. Our medical herbalists have blended it with spices like turmeric, rosehip, matcha and moringa to create our immune boosting Rise and Shine Mix.

Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, you can add this powder to your morning smoothie or mixed with water to help you get your day started right. 

If you’re looking for an uplifting alternative to your morning coffee, then you’ll also find ginseng in our Good Morning Tea. Delicious, energising and healthy, this warming blend will support your physical and mental resilience for the day ahead. 

Green tea improves brain function and soothes anxiety

Green tea aids healthy digestion, and its anti-inflammatory properties are great for the immune system. One 2014 study found that green tea improves cognitive function and neurological connections. 

Its natural caffeine content can satisfy your coffee cravings, while amino acids increase the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has gentle anti-anxiety effects. 

Our herbal Green Tea and Lemongrass offers a refreshing alternative to black tea or coffee. Mixed with lemon balm and peppermint, this zesty tea enhances energy levels, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from pollutants and toxins. 

Ginger improves circulation and helps fight infection 

A firm favourite in kitchens around the world, this spicy root boasts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your body from the get go. 

Taken in the early morning, ginger can stimulate your digestive system and support healthy circulation. 

For an easy way to include this spice in your morning routine, try our Lemongrass and Ginger Tea. It has a zingy bite that will wake you up – and this herbal blend is naturally microbial and supports a healthy immune system. 

The right herbs for you

It’s important to be realistic and set achievable goals that are right for your body. And from a plant perspective, it’s also important to choose herbs and blends that support your unique constitution and lifestyle.

If you’d like some help to choose the right herbal products to support you, don’t hesitate to book a consultation here. Our qualified and experienced herbalists will give you tailored advice so you can start your day with confidence that you’re doing the very best for your body.