Dr David Weinstein, an NHS GP based in Britain, has identified five morning habits he wishes people would avoid. From coffee to doom scrolling, these routines may be undermining health.
1. Drinking coffee first thing
Dr David says coffee can lead to dehydration throughout the day. He recommends starting the day with a pint of water to rehydrate after the overnight fast before any caffeinated drinks. 'Less people would come to see me with headaches. It's a simple, but very positive thing you can do,' he adds. Coffee is not the enemy, but if you rely on it for energy, you may need more sleep or a GP check for underlying issues.
2. Sugary cereals
Many cereals marketed as healthy are high in sugar. Dr David would 'heavily tax breakfast cereals' and put 'cigarette packet-style warnings' on boxes. The NHS recommends no more than 30g of free sugars daily (about seven cubes), yet many cereals contain three or more. A better alternative is Greek yoghurt with berries and nuts, which provides protein and healthy fats.
3. Skipping breakfast
Rushing out without breakfast can lead to ravenous hunger by mid-morning, prompting unhealthy snacks. 'When you're hungry you make unwise decisions,' says Dr David. Fasting only works if you have a well-planned healthy lunch or breakfast, not a pastry from the bakery.
4. Morning doom scrolling
Dr David admits to this habit himself. 'It's terrible — starting the day with stress and anxiety, checking emails and scrolling social media and the news.' He recommends an old-fashioned alarm clock and leaving your phone outside the bedroom. Upon waking, avoid your phone for 15 minutes; instead, do light stretches and think of things you're grateful for. 'We need a gentle introduction, otherwise it's a cortisol hit much too early.'
5. No morning movement
Going straight from bed to chair or bed to car is toxic, especially for those working from home. A 2025 study by BMC Public Health links sedentary behaviour to negative health outcomes. Dr David suggests 15 minutes of gentle movement like stretches or a short walk, ideally outdoors, to clear your head and boost mood and energy.
