Do you ever start the day lying in bed and dreading what is to come? How we get ready for our day can really set the tone for the whole day, and can make each day more enjoyable. Tomorrow consider starting you day with one or more of these tips:
1. As you're waking up name 5 things you are grateful for. Include things you like about your bedroom, body, family, house, job, neighborhood, state, country,.... Try to think up new things each day. When things you don't like come to mind, notice the distraction and tell yourself you will work out problems later in the day but this moment is for gratitude. Then go back to being thankful.
2. Have 2 cups of water when you wake up. We wake up dehydrated from not drinking all night. Drinking water first thing in the morning will make you feel better and help your appetite be more appropriate at breakfast.
3. Plan to pamper yourself at some point during the day. Choose something you would really like to do that takes only a few minutes and plan to do it sometime time later today.
4. As you are showering, bathing, and/or dressing do a body scan, noticing what parts of your body feel good and what parts you can't feel or feel a little tense. Each day notice any differences since our bodies are different every day. Let the tension wash out into the water and down the drain. Or let deep breaths take out the tension/pain and breaths in bring in refreshment and new life.
5. Eat breakfast. Myriad health problems (such as heart disease) have been found to be less likely if you eat a wholesome breakfast every day. Include protien and fresh fruits and/or vegatables. If you're not hungry when you wake up, pack a breakfast to eat when you get to work or school.
6. Include peppermint in your morning such as a mint tea, mint gum or candy, or an infuser with mint. According to a study in the N. American Journal of Psychology people who were exposed to mint before driving had more energy. Wheeling Jesuit University found that peppermint increase alertness and decreases fatigue when driving (Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, PhD). So pop a stick of peppermint gum in your mouth before driving to work.
7. Think of something in your life that you are glad happened to you (e.g. meeting your partner or friend, having children, moving to your town, or having a certain skill or job). Now imagine how your life would have been different if this had not happened. This exercise can help you appreciate something that you otherwise take for granted and give your an optimistic start to your day.
8. Do some exercise outside. Nature sounds and sights boost our mood, and exercise helps in many ways. So before you climb on the bus or in the car walk for five minutes (or more) in your neighborhood, pull some weeds, pick a flower, or visit with your dog.
9. Smile! Smiles brighten our moods even when we're thinking about something we are dreading or when we're worrying. So include several smiles in your morning routine. Give yourself a reminder by posting a picture of someone or something that makes you smile near where you brush your teeth or eat breakfast or on the dashboard of your car.
For more ideas see: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/morning-mood-boosters
No comments:
Post a Comment