The way you start your morning can greatly affect the rest of your day. In fact, studies show that morning people are actually happier than night owls.
But, even with this evidence, the majority of us still start our day by hitting the snooze button a few times, rushing to get ready, and then running out the door with a bagel in one hand and our purse or briefcase in the other.
If you’re one of these people, it’s time that you make a change to your morning routine. With just a few changes to the beginning of your day, you set yourself up for success the rest of the day.
Read on to learn the top tips to start your day off right.
1. Smile and Think About Something Positive
When most of us wake up, we think to ourselves, “Ugh, is it already time to get out of bed?
I don’t want to go to work today.”
While this may actually reflect how you feel, waking up and starting your day with a negative thought is not beneficial. Instead, you should start your day with a smile and a positive thought.
By starting your day with a smile you:
- Release dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin, the feel-good neurotransmitters
- Boost your immune system (Aka, a smile can help you fight off a cold)
Couple this smile with a positive thought or affirmation, and you’re even better off. If you can’t think of anything positive to think about, then steal a positive quote or a wise saying from someone else. These wisdom quotes should help get you started.
2. Make Your Bed
Between making breakfast, taking a shower, and possibly even getting kids ready for school, making your bed may not feel like a top priority.
But this small task does a whole lot when it comes to setting up your day for success. Making your bed creates order, and it can promote inner calmness. Plus, by making your bed each morning, you’re starting off your day with one small accomplishment.
It feels good to accomplish something (no matter how small) so early in the morning. This small accomplishment will motivate you to keep achieving bigger things throughout the day.
3. Meditate
So many of us spend our days rushing from one place to the next, trying to get everything done. Rarely do we take a moment for ourselves to just sit there and breathe.
This is a shame, as even just a few minutes of meditation can reduce stress, improve emotional stability, and even prevent common health ailments.
And don’t worry, meditation doesn’t have to mean doing a chant in an uncomfortable sitting position for hours on end. Meditation can be as simple as sitting on your bed, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing. To start simple, try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts, and then exhaling for 8 counts for a few minutes at a time.
If your mind ever starts to wander, bring it back to your breathing and focus on that.
Read Also: The Benefits of Stress Management
4. Groove to the Music
Most of us rely on coffee to get us energized for the day, but have you ever considered the power of music?
Studies show that listening to music makes us feel happier, improves blood vessel function, and reduces stress. Music even has the same anxiety-reducing benefits as a massage!
Add a bit of dancing to your music, and you’ll have an improved mood, better memory, and get the benefit of a bit of exercise.
As you can see, there are many simple things you can do to get your day off to the right start!
