The way we choose to start our day can influence how the rest of it will go. Thus, it is important to take the time to make sure that we start the day on a positive note. The following are 10 ways how you can kick start your day to make it a successful one.
1. Stay off your smartphone
When the first thing you do is check your phone in the morning, you automatically set your mindset as a reaction to the notifications you received. Try to stay off your phone for the first half hour of your day to be able to be present in the moment.
2. Take 5 minutes for mindfulness
Instead of rushing out of bed when your alarm rings, take 5 minutes to practice mindfulness. Sit up in your bed, breathe in and out, while also thinking about all the positive things in your life.
3. Drink water
Drinking a glass of water in the morning will help you to rehydrate and become more alert for the start of the day. It’s important to drink it before your morning coffee or any other drink.
4. Have a ‘to do’ list
Having your ‘to do’ list set for the day will help you focus to achieve your goals better. This list will empower and prepare you for what your day might bring.
5. Be flexible
While having a ‘to do’ list and setting goals does help you face your day better, make sure to also be flexible with your plan. Sometimes life throws us unexpected hurdles that we wouldn’t have accounted for. Thus, you need to be able to adapt and stay calm during these times to have a successful day.
6. Have a good breakfast
Breakfast is often known to be the most important meal of the day, and this stands true. It provides you with the essential vitamins to energize you for the rest of the day.
7. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to kick start your day as it sets your day on a positive note. It doesn’t have to be something long or intense, even a 30-minute walk is enough to energize you.
8. Positive affirmations
Telling yourself positive affirmations is a good way to help promote positive thinking and a positive mindset for the day. Think of around 3 positive affirmations about yourself and repeat them to yourself while you get ready.
9. Prepare yourself
Try to get as many things ready for the next day as you can. Prepare the outfit you are going to wear, write your to-do list for the next day, prepare your lunch and whatever else you can do to help make the next day easier. This will give you some more free time to have a relaxed morning instead of a rushed one.
10. Sleep early
Make sure to get enough sleep during the night for your body to be well-rested to face the next day. The amount of sleep you have affects your mood and energy for the next day. Thus, it’s vital to get a restful sleep.
Trying some or all of these, will ensure that you kickstart your day energized and on a positive note!
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Mandy Brincat is a Gestalt psychotherapist who enjoys working therapeutically with adults on various issues, such as general mental health and wellbeing. She also has experience working with children with anxiety and day to day stressful problems.
References:
- Fernstrom, M. (2018). 7 ways to kick start your morning and have a productive day. MSNBC.com. Retrieved from https://www.msnbc.com/know-your-value/7-ways-kick-start-your-morning-have-productive-day-n838246.
- Schulte, R. 5 Productivity Hacks to Kick Start Your Day. Lifehack. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/391164/5-productivity-hacks-to-kick-start-your-day.
- Smith, J. (2015). 7 Ways to Kick Start Your Day. Workawesome.com. Retrieved from https://workawesome.com/productivity/7-ways-to-kick-start-your-day/.