Down-to-earth GP Dr Rangan Chatterjee, star of BBC One’s Doctor in the House, explains how a morning routine can give your health an amazing boost.

It’s the little things that help us stay healthy: eating our veg, taking the stairs instead of the escalators, getting eight hours of sleep. Another little thing I advocate to all my patients is a mini morning routine, which is great for anyone who regularly wakes up late then feels like the day is running away with them.

A morning routine can help you live longer

In my 16 years’ experience as a doctor, trying to help patients live healthier, more productive lives, I have found that having this type of structured routine has been transformative – and it works for me, too!

How to have a healthy morning routine

A simple set of mini rituals before the day kicks into gear can help you feel empowered and also more productive. You become proactive rather than reactive. You get a head start on your day thanks to your positive actions. And it needn’t be difficult: waking up just 30 minutes earlier than usual can set the tone for the day ahead and often make it easier to achieve your health goals.

RANGAN’S MORNING ROUTINE PRESCRIPTION

● Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than usual – and put it far away from the bed so when it goes off you’re unable to hit snooze!

● Drink two glasses of water, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon, to rehydrate your body – you lose water overnight, especially when you’re wrapped up in warm layers. 

● Enjoy a coffee, but take time to prepare it from scratch, then sit down and savour it slowly. Small things done mindfully are what matters.