I don’t know about you, but my mornings usually go something like this:
ughhh.
Snooze.
Do I have to get out of bed today?
Snooze.
Crap. I really do have to get up now.
Snooze.
Oh, shoot I’m late!!
I finally roll (or shoot out of bed depending on how many times I snoozed) and go about my morning routine kind of mad that I’m not still in bed. Most people I know are not excited to start their day off. But that dread of having to get out of bed and going about your day or that anger directed at your alarm clock has the potential to follow you throughout your entire day.
There are over 1000 minutes in a day so why not take the first 5 minutes of your morning to redirect your thoughts to something more positive?
If you’ve been planning on putting more energy into mental health, finding a few minutes in the morning to dedicate towards self-improvement, mindset, and general well-being can gradually transform your life for the better.
Take a few minutes to think about what is motivating you for that day. Make S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Focused, Time-Oriented). Visualize yourself accomplishing your goals for the day. Remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Focus on what you’re grateful for that day. Wake yourself up by doing a quick 30 second exercise (jumping jacks, power pose, yoga, running in place, pushups). Give your mind fresh air and water. Often drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning will wake you up more than a cup of coffee can. Taking a few deep breaths from your abdomen give your system a heavy dose of oxygen. Create a morning playlist that stimulates the emotional systems you wish to target.
As a bonus, try starting your day by asking yourself some of these questions:
What am I looking forward to today?
What am I grateful for today?
How can I act with passion today?
Am I doing things that lead directly to my goals?
What do I value most today?
What emotions are moving me through the day? (excitement, fear, joy)
How am I feeling?
How do I want to be today?