How to Start Your Day Off Right
The way your morning starts sets the tone for the rest of your day. Therefore, if you feel stressed from the moment you get up, you’ll most likely carry it with you all through the day, if you don’t take action. On the other hand, starting the day in a focused manner means it’ll be easier for you to manage any stress and enjoy your day.
However, starting the day off on the right foot isn’t always easy, especially if you wake up in a hurry or after only a few hours of sleep. Nevertheless, even if you haven’t slept as much as necessary, you can still start the morning in a positive way and face the day with energy, excitement, and motivation.
“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.”
-Lemony Snicket-
If you want to start the day well you’ll have to change some of your habits. This isn’t always easy, especially when it involves getting up earlier. However, it’s worth the effort. In fact, it gives your morning the necessary boost to turn the day ahead into a great day.
Set the alarm clock earlier
By getting up a little earlier, you get up more calmly, without tension, and without having to rush. You can listen to the radio in bed, stretch a bit, and get ready to start your day. Because waking up earlier not only allows you to enjoy a few more minutes in bed but also gives you the opportunity to create a more relaxed routine to start your day.
“It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.”
-Aristotle-
Start the day under the shower
Your morning shower isn’t just a way of clearing your head. In fact, the time you spend under the water is a relaxing and energizing time. Before washing yourself, sit under the hot water jet for a minute and let the water run down your back, massaging it.
The hot water will relax both your muscles and your mind. This moment will also allow you to think about the possibilities ahead and feel grateful for the new day. Furthermore, if you find feelings of stress appear throughout the day, you can evoke these sensations again to relax and regain control over your emotions.
Read something inspiring
From a motivational quote to a self-help snippet, morning reading will help you find a new focus of motivation. Indeed, reading in the morning will keep you inspired throughout the day and allow you to have a positive conversation with yourself, thus avoiding negative thoughts.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
-Dr Seuss-
Give a hug
Hugs generate a hormonal explosion that helps you feel good and overcomes your fears. That’s why starting the morning with a hug is a great way to start the day.
The “hug therapist” Lía Barbery, author of the book, El Lenguaje de los Abrazos: Abrazoterapia(The Language of Hugs), says that when you hug, you not only secrete oxytocin but serotonin and dopamine are also released. This generates pleasant feelings of well-being, harmony, and fulfillment.
Eat a full and balanced breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s because what you eat when you get up helps balance your blood sugar levels and gives you the energy to manage physical and mental stress. In fact, without a good breakfast, you’re more vulnerable, both physically and mentally.
The problem is that many people make the excuse that they don’t have time for breakfast or that they don’t have an appetite in the morning. That’s because they wake up in a rush and feel stressed. However, if you employ the above tips, especially getting up earlier, you’ll see that it’s possible to make and eat a good breakfast.
You should also ensure that your breakfast contains all the groups of nutrients necessary for your body. For instance, carbohydrates -especially complex ones, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. You should avoid sugar and saturated fats.
Start moving
Moderate exercise will wake up your metabolism and provide energy to both your body and mind. For instance, you could go for a walk or practice some yoga.
In any case, exercising in the morning will motivate you to put your health first. This will help you feel better about yourself and encourage you to keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
