7. Deep Breathing or Meditation
High cortisol levels—often caused by stress—are directly linked to abdominal fat. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness first thing in the morning can significantly reduce stress levels and help regulate cortisol[7]. A calm, focused mind also makes it easier to make healthy food choices and stick to your goals throughout the day.
Spending just 5–10 minutes on deep breathing or mindfulness meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting your body in “rest and digest” mode instead of “fight or flight.” This shift supports healthy digestion, metabolism, and hormone regulation. Over time, morning mindfulness can improve sleep, reduce emotional eating, and lower inflammation—all of which contribute to better fat-burning outcomes.