Good Mornings
I find myself happiest, most grounded, most productive when I've started my day off right. The recipe for a good morning is not set in stone - some mornings that means sleeping in that extra ten minutes, others it means getting up before the sun and running. Either way, intuiting what will be best for me in the first few minutes of the morning is not always easy, and honestly I mess it up a lot. Even if there are missteps, though, I can still get on track if I do a few good things before my day gets going. Here they are:
Freshen UP
If I don't have the time to wash my face, brush my teeth, make my hair look less unkempt, I know the day is going to be a struggle. Putting my best face forward makes me feel more confident, and that confidence overflows into my interactions with others, ultimately deciding the tone for my day.
Stretch
I forget this one more often than not, but my body wants it! I usually find myself yawning and stretching and making all sorts of strange noises right after my alarm goes off... this is my body saying, "Hey, let's move!" I can keep this movement going with some toe touches, some back bends, some arm shakes. If I have enough time, maybe I'll pull out the yoga mat and get some pigeon poses or downward dogs in.
Warm, Yummy Drinks
It doesn't have to be coffee (actually, I'm not supposed to have coffee anymore for heart reasons, but I still sneak a latte in every now and again) but drinking something warm in the morning relaxes me and wakes me up at once. Some days I do herbal tea, concentrated chai, and if it's snowing, hot chocolate! Taking that extra time to sit with a warm drink in your hand can be very meditative and soothing.
Blast the Tunes
Music makes me feel good! I make playlists specifically for the morning that are bouncy and happy. And if my roommate isn't around, you can bet I'll be singing too loud to some Barbara Streisand.
Accomplish a Task
This one can be harder to do if you're crunched for time, but it helps me get my momentum going for the day. If I can wash a few dishes, complete a small portion of my homework, reply to an email, all before I've done any other kind of obligation, it helps me feel like I CAN. I can get this shit done! I can be productive! I can have a great day.
Eat the Foods
This one is harder for me, I'll admit. Some days I forget completely, others I'm so full from dinner the night before I'm not hungry in the slightest. But if I don't eat breakfast, I usually find myself tired and crabby just two hours later. I try to pick something that won't just give me a sugar high to crash down from: burritos, avocado toast, bagels with cream cheese. Feed your body like you love yourself.
Sunshine
If there is an opportunity for you to feel the sun on your face, chase it down. Find the corner of the office where you can be in the sun, open your car windows while you drive and let your arm hang out, or walk more slowly on your way to somewhere to soak in as many rays as you can. Sun is a healer.
Gratitude
When I'm feeling in a particular funk in the morning I make a list, whether it be physically writing it down or simply just in my head, of all of the things I am grateful for in that moment. There's an infinite amount of things to be grateful for in every moment. Taking time to recognize that can make your day that much brighter.
Whether you follow these suggestions or come up with your own, a great day is made simply by the intent to have a good day. We create our own experience of the world. Why not make it the best it can be?
Much love,
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