Starting you day the right way is easy when you visit Cedar Falls. From early morning fitness classes to nutritious healthy breakfasts, your morning routine will be one of relaxation and goodness. The following routine will help you stay energised and focused when you return home.

1. Prepare the night before

It may sound obvious but prepare what you need the following day before you go to bed. Just simple things like considering your outfit for the next day will take a lot of the stress out of your morning routine. This will also give you extra time to get into the right frame of mind to begin your day.

2. Regular wake-up

Wake up at the same time every morning to allow your body to wake naturally and feel fresh.

3. Snooze control

We're all tempted from time to time to hit that snooze button, but it really is no benefit to you. The 'sleep' you get between the alarm really is low-quality slumber and of no benefit to your body. Try you best to muster up the energy to get up straight away - it's never as bad as you think and you will feel better for it!

4. Waking up in sunshine

Waking up in a dark bedroom is very difficult because your body naturally reacts to the darkness by producing the sleep hormone melatonin, hence it can be a bit of a battle. Some people overcome this by sleeping with the curtains open; but if this isn't for you, try opening them as soon as you wake up to let the light flood in, you will feel more awake quicker if you are able to gain exposure to natural light.

5. Fresh air

Open the window as soon as you can. Even if it's cold and grey outside, it will definitely awaken your senses.

6. Deep breaths

Even while still in bed, practice slowly and deeply inhaling and exhaling. Inhale through your nose, filling your lungs, followed by the lower abdomen, and then release slowly through your mouth. Count four seconds in and eight seconds out. This exercise will help you get rid of the stale overnight air from your lungs.

7. Have a healthy & balanced breakfast

Plenty of fibre, protein and nutrients are essential - the breakfasts at Cedar Falls are a perfect example - try to have lots of wholegrain cereals, natural yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and berries. Try to avoid white bread and fatty meats.

8. Peppermint tea

Drinking peppermint tea can optimise brain function and its good for the nerves too. See our recent blog post about the health benefits of drinking tea.

9. Yoga stretches

If you practice yoga you'll already know how beneficial it can be for your circulation and general wellbeing. Try squeezing in a few early morning sun salutations to awaken your body and stimulate your mind. If you've not taken part in one of our fitness classes before you may also like to try stretching your body whilst slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, it can be just as effective.

10. Exercise

If you've stayed with us before you've probably taken part in our early morning 'Wake-Up Workout' classes (low resistance high intensity workout to kick-start the day and maintain that fresh morning feel) to keep the momentum going head to the gym or, if the weather's good, venture out for a run. The morning really is the best time to exercise.

Best wishes to one and all for successful slumbers and energising mornings!