Morning y’all!
Notice I didn’t say “good morning”. I do think everyday is a good day because it’s a gift we are not guaranteed to get. But if I’m being honest, I am not a morning person. Anyone who knows me will tell you that & to beware until you see me with coffee in my hand!
I’m not that bad but mornings have never been my best time. Lately though I’ve been able to get more done & feel much better about facing my day – good days & bad – by just following a few steps every single morning.
5 Ways To Start The Day Off Right
1. Start with a positive affirmation
This could be anything that has meaning for you – a quote, something positive someone close to you told you, a prayer, or a Bible verse are all great examples. For me, it’s a Bible verse – Joshua 24:15 – followed by a prayer.
It’s not even about memorizing or saying it out loud, but you can do that if it makes it more powerful for you. Even though I know this verse well, I keep a card on my bedside table with the verse written on it.
I say it in my head before my feet hit the ground. I believe doing this sets the tone for the rest of the day.
2. Take care of yourself first
Let’s be honest… everyday can’t be a self-care day. But we DO need to take care of ourselves everyday, even those days when it’s all you can do to pull yourself out of bed. It doesn’t have to be anything major or super indulgent.
Take care of your basic necessities first – brush your teeth, wash your face, slather on some moisturizer – you can always come back late (after coffee 😉 ) to shower & etc. It may sound simple & basic – and it is – but it makes a HUGE difference in how you feel. Especially when you work from home or are a SAHM/SAHD.
It’s too easy to just get up & get started, but you have to take care of your self first.
3. Read something inspirational
I have to admit that I didn’t realize the impact of this 1. I know people, including myself who end the day reading or read throughout the day. But I have found that reading something inspirational at the beginning of the day really helps my mindset.
At the beginning of this year, I re-read The Purpose Driven Life. I made a point to read it every morning right after everyone had left. It was my quiet time & it made me think, helped me focus on the big picture.
When I finished it, I kept reading at the same time every morning with the help of the Bible app.
You can read anything that gets you going – even a blog! Just make sure it’s positive & makes you feel good.
4. Have a good breakfast
Nothing fancy here. I know there’s not always time to cook a good breakfast, but there’s so many ways to get some good nutrition in.
Bonus if you can include some brain food. My go-to “breakfast of (mental) champions” is a boiled egg (or 2) with sliced avocado seasoned with salt, pepper, turmeric & a drizzle of EVOO.
I’ve even been know to have eggs (boiled, fried, or poached) with sardines, anchovies, or salmon(any kind). If you love fish, you have to try it for breakfast!
5. Start your (work)day with a positive mantra
Maybe it ‘s the same as your affirmation from #1. Maybe it’s something different & more specific to work or your daily goals.
But just like #1, just make sure it’s positive & meaningful. I like to keep it super simple (K.I.S.S. it) & general enough to have meaning for life not a specific day, situation, or activity.
Mine? “I choose peace. I choose happiness. I choose JOY.”
Bonus Tips To Keep The Positive Momentum:
Bonus #1. Drink lots of water
Everyone says it… stay hydrated. I’m no doctor, nurse, nutritionist or anything but I do know that when I don’t drink water throughout the day I’m a little more sluggish.
I’ve also noticed that when I have a headache, sometimes I just need to 1) eat & 2) hydrate. It works.
Bonus #2. Take lots of mini breaks.
Or a big break if you need to. Sometimes we need that.
Other times it’s good to take little breaks to recharge throughout the day . Not just bathroom breaks but things like:
- A walk around the block/parking lot
- Call a friend
- Meditate
- Read
If possible, take a break to do something you enjoy. I try to take a break during the day to just go outside for a few minutes – it’s a bonus if I can get out to my garden. We all need a little vitamin D from the sun.
I work from home so I know how easy it can be to just dive in to the day. But I really do feel the difference when I don’t do these things. I don’t seem to “seize the day” & I feel a little more… mmm, grouchy maybe? So even if I miss doing 1 or 2 of these things first thing in the morning, if I can stop to do the rest even throughout the day it’s better that not doing them at all.
What about you? Do you have any “rituals” to get your day started or any tips to add or share? Leave them in the comments, I’d love to read them!
By the way, if you like these tips or know anyone that would, pin them & share them.
Good morning to you! Very good tips. .. they say you basically set the tone of day based on how you woke up… all of these are excellent starters to make the day go well.. will be sharing this.. perhaps as people read this and practice a few simple steps like this.. we’ll see a change in hearts of some people
You are so right Jamala! I had to learn that the hard way – I used to just get up & get going. Rushing through the morning & rushing through the day. At the end wondering if I accomplished anything at all AND feeling bad about it. Having a “ritual” has helped so much to keep the positivity going throughout each & every day – 1 day at a time.