Copyright Men's Journal

Longevity isn’t just a wellness trend anymore, it’s mainstream. And experts say the morning may be the most strategic place to start, according to GQ. Instead of extreme biohacks, researchers say small, repeatable habits you can sustain daily are what actually move the needle over decades. Why Consistency Matters More Than a Perfect Wake-Up Time There isn’t a single magic wake-up hour that predicts longer life. But experts agree consistency matters more than the exact time you set. Daniella Marchetti, Ph.D., a clinical health psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, told GQ that “the most important aspect of sleep is regularity.” So even if your sleep wasn’t perfect, stick to the same wake time. Elizabeth Goyder, M.D., Professor of Public Health at the University of Sheffield, explained to GQ that starting your morning with enough sleep, some movement, and a balanced breakfast supports long-term health without turning your routine into a rigid, biohacking checklist. Why Strength Training Needs to Be in the Morning Mix While most longevity advice tends to center on supplements or fancy diagnostics, the muscle you build today is still one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging later. “Muscle mass is much harder to build in your 60s,” says Richard Faragher, Ph.D., Professor of Biogerontology at the University of Brighton. Younger lifters can get strong with heavy lifting and moderate protein, but older adults need significantly more protein to achieve similar muscle growth. And while cardio still matters, Faragher told GQ that trying to add muscle and lose fat at the same time rarely works well. Simple Morning Habits You Can Start This Week Here’s how to turn expert advice into real-world habits that make every morning (and night) work in your favor. Wake up at the same time daily. Strength train 3–4 mornings a week, and use the REP Fitness Modular Storage System to keep your home gym clutter-free and ready for action. Delay your protein-rich breakfast 60–90 minutes. Serve it up on Made In tableware that actually holds up to daily use. Better sleep means faster recovery. Breathable Bella Notte Linen Sheets help regulate temperature so you stay comfortable all night. Keep alcohol moderate, avoid smoking, and aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Start with one or two this week, make them automatic, and you’ll build a high-impact longevity routine without overhauling your entire life.