The morning is extremely important. It is the foundation from which the day is built. How you choose to spend your morning can set you up for the entire day. Each day is another chance to get it right.
Happy, healthy people have effective morning rituals that gradually improve their well-being and give their lives purpose. Here's what you can do:
Be grateful
Start your day by reflecting on what you are grateful for. A consistent practice of gratitude in the mornings will increase your awareness of gratitude throughout your day. It will also make you more resilient when challenges occur and help you put drama in perspective.
Set your daily intention
In the quiet of the day, before the fires need putting out, plan your day by focusing on three goals you want to accomplish. Make those goals a priority for the day. When you set about planning your day with intention, you are more likely to feel productive at the end of it.
Hydrate
Your body wakes dehydrated, so it is very important to drink up first thing in the morning. It will flush your system of toxins, leave you feeling less hungry and reduce headaches throughout the day.
Stretch
You will be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't wake up feeling a bit stiff. It isn't always easy to incorporate exercise into a morning routine. Studies show that consistent stretching in the morning can increase flexibility, improve circulation, reduce stress throughout your day and improve posture.
Listen to music
Starting your day with upbeat and fun music will not only wake you up but it will fill you with positive energy for your day. It has been shown to improve your mood but it can end up increasing motivation and performance.
Smile
Start your day off by smiling at yourself in the mirror. Smiling will have a positive effect on your overall attitude and well-being, even when it starts out a little forced. Smiling makes you more approachable, and appear more trustworthy.
Clean Up After Yourself
Life is busy and morning routines can be a bit rushed. It can be very tempting when you are running behind to leave your clothes on the floor, dishes in the sink or leave the rubbish until later. Procrastination around cleaning up after yourself can prevent you from realizing your highest potential and best work. It also allows you to relax fully upon returning home.
Do Your Hardest Task First
It might seem enticing to get a bunch of easy things checked off your to-do list, but it has been shown time and time again that doing your hardest task first leads to a more productive and happier day. You are more likely to remember the day as being a good one when your day gets better and is easier over time. The bonus: it helps stop procrastination over the things we like to do the least.
Source: powerofpositivity.com