Starting the Day Out Right

I’ve always been a morning person, but I’m not always a happy morning person. Some days, I bounce out of bed, chipper and chirpy and eager to master the day ahead, but other days…well, you wouldn’t want to be here.

I don’t like to start my day out grumpy; it takes too much energy to get myself redirected. So when I had a couple of those not-so-happy mornings last week, I decided to give myself a mini-refresher course on starting my day out right.  You can follow along if you’d like. (It’s free and I’ll even throw in some things I don’t personally do, but that might work for you.)

Morning Mayhem Fighters

(for lack of a better title)

- Eliminate the need for any early-a.m. decisions. This requires that you decide a few things before you go to bed.

• Decide on what you’re going to wear the next day and put it all in a single place. (It’s also a good idea to have a back-up outfit at the ready, just in case.)
• Decide on what you’ll have for breakfast the next morning and assemble as much of it as possible. (Also good to have a back-up in mind.)
• Check your calendar for the day to follow.
• Gather the things you need to take with you and place them near the exit door.

- Set the alarm for 15 minutes earlier than you have to get up. But don’t get up yet. Take a few minutes (the entire 15, if you need them) to help your body and mind wake up fully. Or as close as you can get.  Focus on each limb of your body and gently contract and relax your muscles. Visualize the day ahead, imagining yourself completing your various projects and tasks successfully.

- Drink a full glass of water. Our bodies are ready for hydration after the long (if we’re lucky) night’s sleep.

- Listen to music. While you’re drinking that glass of water, sit for a moment and listen to something soft and soothing. It’s a great time to do nothing, or to let your creative self wake up.

- Read a motivational quote or repeat an uplifting mantra. Positive self-talk sets a good intent and provides focus for our day. (My current favorite mantra, said to the woman in the mirror: You are stronger than you know.)

- Kiss, hug, and/or cuddle your loved ones. Don’t forget the pets. Spending some mushy time with the ones we love reminds us of what’s most important. Not only is it de-stressing for us, but it’s a great start to their day as well.

- Exercise. I’m not an early a.m. exerciser, but for many people, getting in a good thirty minutes of exercise ensures that a) they avoid getting derailed by some event later in the day, and b) they start their day with a healthy endorphin rush.

Doing any or all of these things doesn’t guarantee a great day ahead, but it sure does eliminate some of the obvious obstacles and increases our odds for success in the hours that follow.

So, how’s your day going so far? Feel free to share any of your tried-and-true tips for getting your day started out in a positive way.

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