There’s little doubt that morning routines—and their glorious benefits—have become a hot topic. Wherever you go on the internet, you’re likely to stumble upon lifestyle advice, but rarely do you see recommendations directed toward professionals in spa and wellness.
Log in to view the full article
There’s little doubt that morning routines—and their glorious benefits—have become a hot topic. Wherever you go on the internet, you’re likely to stumble upon lifestyle advice, but rarely do you see recommendations directed toward professionals in spa and wellness.
Quite ironically, wellness in the wellness industry often remains overlooked. Today, nearly 80% of Americans feel stressed at least once a week—and this doesn’t exclude massage therapists, skin experts, nutrition advisors, spa directors and other wellness professionals. In an industry that is based on making everyone else feel better, self-care is of fundamental importance.
There’s a Swahili proverb that says, “A good day becomes evident in the morning.” This means that you can set the tone for your entire day with a conscious ritual, even if it’s just 15 minutes. A solid morning routine can become the backbone of your practice as a wellness professional. Let’s explore how.
1. Sleep Sound, Start Early
You can’t underestimate a good night’s rest, so it’s worth exploring what a healthy sleep cycle means to you. Chances are it includes at least seven hours of rest per day. Experiment with apps like Sleep Cycle to monitor your sleep habits and even set alarms that wake you up in your lightest sleep phase.
Then, focus on your waking hour. Early risers tend to be more productive and have greater success in accomplishing their goals. Even if you’re a night owl by nature, know that becoming an early bird is indeed something you can learn. And this pays off: Waking up just an hour earlier than usual could reduce your risk of depression.1
A no-phone morning policy can be another key focus point. Our phones are powerhouses of potential stress. If you start answering work-related inquiries right after you wake up, your curated morning routine could easily go down the drain. Don’t connect with anyone until you’ve connected with yourself.
2. Don’t Underestimate Mental Hygiene
The wellness industry prioritizes the guest experience, which is a very energy-charged process. As a professional, it’s virtually impossible for you to be unaffected, so being conscious of how you feel and actively focusing on recharging your energy is crucial.
You are bound to share with others, and you should be in the best mental space to do that. To feel genuinely rejuvenated, find some quiet time for yourself in the morning and try out a mental hygiene activity. Just two minutes of positive thinking can improve your mood and mental clarity.
3. Aliment Your Body and Soul
A morning glass of water hydrates your body and can aid digestion, flush waste and improve focus. Keeping track of fluid intake is particularly relevant for wellness pros, and a glass of water right after you wake up can be a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Instead of meals filled with sugars and refined carbs, choose healthier options, and your body and mind will thank you later. By complementing breakfast with vitamins, you can also ensure integral health and long-term well-being. It’s easy to forget about your daily intake of essential nutrients, and vitamin pills (or gummies) can help you find that balance.
4. Get Moving
Whether it’s light stretching in bed, some sun salutations, a morning walk or a more dynamic run, a few minutes of exercise is excellent for jumpstarting circulation, oxygenating your blood and clearing your mind.
No matter your workout routine, consider avoiding added pressure in areas that get most overworked. For instance, practitioners, from estheticians to physiotherapists, tend to overload their arms. On the other hand, if you feel like your posture isn’t always ideal, consider a few back exercises.
5. Prep Your Space
There’s peace in arriving at a workplace that’s neat and organized. Even if you must prepare it the day before, it’s a habit worth developing. Not only does this relieve stress, but you also won’t worry about being unprepared for your first guest.
Your workspace is where you spend a significant part of your day, so you might as well feel good while you’re there. Choose an enjoyable setup: Refresh the air by opening the windows, lighting up a candle or turning on the diffuser.
Ultimately, know that there’s no such thing as the “perfect” morning routine. You need to experiment to find what works best for you, and then the key becomes building awareness and consistency over time.
References
- Daghlas I, Lane JM, Saxena R, Vetter C. Genetically Proxied Diurnal Preference, Sleep Timing, and Risk of Major Depressive Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021 Aug 1;78(8):903-910. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0959. PMID: 34037671; PMCID: PMC8156187.
Nina Zhang is an entrepreneur in wellness and nutrition. She is CEO and founder of KalaVita, a nootropic gummies company that helps boost the body’s built-in systems such as concentration, sleep and vision.