If you’re struggling to get some momentum in your day-to-day life, or if you find yourself continuing to reach for that extra cup of coffee in the morning to get a kick start, I highly recommend you try exercising in the morning!

Exercise, or any type of physical movement, for 20-30 minutes a day can provide significant benefits such as reduced stress, improved mental health, improved productivity and overall well-being!

Exercising in the morning can help increase blood flow to the brain, which can help improve cognitive function and focus. It can also help regulate your circadian rhythm, which can lead to better sleep at night and improved alertness during the day. Additionally, exercising in the morning can help reduce stress and increase energy levels, which can help you feel more productive throughout the day.

I am also a firm believer that if you start pouring into your own well-being first thing in the AM, everyone around you will also be better for it! If you show up for yourself, you can show up for your family, your job, even better for it. AND by blocking off time in the morning for physical movement, you may open up some time in the afternoon or evening when you would usually try to exercise! Utilizing even more of the 24 hours a day we are given.

If you are unable to get physical movement first thing in the morning, try a 20-30 minute walk during your lunch hour! Most of us tend to sit the majority of the day which doesn’t make anyone feel good. This can lead to bad posture, back and neck painand no one wants that! Let’s say you don’t have 20-30 minutes all at once, why not set a reminder every hour or so to get up and walk for just FIVE minutes? These tiny intentional movements all add up and I promise you, your work day, your family

As someone who has a passion for health and wellness, I’m not here to overwhelm you trying to get physical movement in as soon as you open your eyes each morning. But instead, being more intentional in how even 5,10,20,30 minutes of movement throughout the day can set yourself up for success. You will feel better about yourself, and when you start to, others will notice!

Try it out, maybe ditch that second cup of coffee and go for a five minute walk! Let us know how you feel. At IOI, we want you to be successful in all aspects of your life!