First Psychology blog

Owing to more demanding jobs and lifestyles, finding the right balance and maintaining good mental health should be a top priority in our busy lives. One effective way to achieve this is by embracing a regular routine, whether that involves daily exercise, a relaxing evening regime or focused work schedule. By establishing consistent daily habits, we can experience lots of benefits that positively contribute to our overall wellbeing. How routine can positively impact our wellbeing Improving mental health  Following a daily routine encourages stability and a sense of control, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels when coping with day-to-day life. Regular activities like morning meditation, exercise and healthy meal planning can create a real sense of purpose and structure in our life. Sticking to a consistent routine can also lead to improved sleep patterns, which supports both mental and physical health. Increasing productivity A well-structured routine allows us to pr...

If your morning routine has gone out of the window or if you’ve never had a morning routine, there are many reasons why it will be one of the most important parts of your day. Although it might seem like a huge effort when you first start to put certain practices into place, you’ll soon get into the swing of things. Reasons why a morning routine is good for your health Having a consistent morning routine is great for both your mental and physical health and by adopting some of these positive habits, you’ll soon start to see the benefits, which can include: Increased productivity Stress reduction Increase in energy levels and brain function An overall feeling of happiness and positivity Many people who lack some form of routine or structure in their lives suffer from various forms of ill health and poor mental wellbeing such as stress, anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep, and lethargy. Putting in place a morning routine, can help improve overall wellbeing. Planning your morning routine...

Morning rituals differ from morning routines in that each action of a ritual should be done with meaning and with attention on the process rather than merely the results. A routine is something you do each morning without giving it a moment’s thought: getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, making breakfast, etc. However, rituals are thought-out actions that set you up for the day and can eventually lead to a more positive outlook on life. What constitutes part of a morning ritual? Although meditation and exercise can form part of a morning ritual, there are simpler tasks that can also be included. Purposely drinking your morning coffee out in the garden and taking time to appreciate the aroma of the drink and the natural aspects of your surroundings can be part of a ritual. Allocating time to have a conversation over breakfast with your children and spouse before you go your separate ways for the day is another. An action can be very small but should involve you thinking about the ac...

We’re all looking forward to spring-like weather – especially after the harsh weather of recent weeks. However one aspect about the onset of spring that we could do without is the clocks going forward. Yes, we love our lighter evenings, but who enjoys having to rise an hour earlier every morning? The best way to make the daylight savings work for you, is by using it as an opportunity to reboot your morning routine. Starting the day as we mean to go on helps us approach each new day with the vigour and enthusiasm that is needed to really achieve our goals. We’ve compiled a list of things to help make sure you get out of bed on the right side this spring and carry this new-found zest for life through the summer months too. Get moving Kick start your morning with some exercise and see how it positively impacts the rest of your day. Exercising in the morning serves two purposes: it catapults you out of your morning slump – especially prevalent in those first few days after the cl...