How do you wake up every morning?
I’ve had some good mornings when I feel so invigorated and ready to take on the world. I feel so happy, bubbly and alive the whole day. I’m on a roll and it seems 24 hours is not enough for all the things I want to do.
But I’m all too familiar with some bad mornings too when I just want to bury myself under the covers and sleep the whole week. I feel so sluggish, irritable and bored. I accomplish little or nothing at all and I can’t wait for the day to end.
I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I woke up at the right side of the bed every morning?
The fact is, I can. And it all begins with a choice.
One day, I just decided waking up aimless every morning was not going to get me anywhere so I better take action to start the day right.
I made a plan on how to go about my morning and see if it made any difference.
The result? I started my day on purpose. I had more focus for the things I needed to do and I had more energy to tackle them.
I realized when you consciously make your mornings wonderful, it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
START YOUR DAY RIGHT PLAN
1. Before you sleep, make a task list for the next day.
Setting yourself up for a wonderful morning actually begins the night before. Have you noticed how an onslaught of thoughts and concerns attack your mind just when you’re about to rest for the night?
To combat this, keep a notepad or notebook handy at your bedside to jot down things to do, deadlines, events, ideas and everything else that comes to mind.
The key is to empty your head of all worries so you can have a restful sleep.
Making a task list also puts some structure to the following day and keeps you from waking up frantically in the morning worried about all the things you need to do.
2. Smile.
Do it the moment you open your eyes. This may sound a bit silly, but try it and see if it doesn’t lift your mood.
Smile at your husband. Smile at your kids. Smile up at the sky. Smile at yourself in the mirror.
Smiling does not only do you good, it also spreads some happy vibes to the people you share it with. Plus, it’s good exercise for the facial muscles too.
3. Be grateful.
It’s always best to start the morning with an attitude of gratitude. Thinking of all the reasons to be thankful gives you a positive perspective.
Write them down in your journal so you’ll constantly be reminded of them or simply run them through in your head.
For starters, be thankful that you woke up to a brand new day. Be grateful for a loving family, a comfortable home, food on the table, and a job that provides for your material needs. These are often the simple blessings that we take for granted, but can you imagine life without them?
When you’re grateful, you recognize the abundance of life and you open yourself up to more blessings that life has to offer.
4. Surround yourself with positivity.
Being positive doesn’t always come naturally to most people, it’s a habit you cultivate and a choice you make in every situation every moment of every day.
Personally, I practice three methods to surround myself with positivity:
- Read personal growth and inspirational books. I always have a book by the bedside for easy access. I try to read a chapter every morning and practice the principles I learned throughout the day.
If reading a book seems too daunting in the morning, read some positive quotes. They’re short and sweet but they can pack in a lot of positive punch to lift your spirits.
- Play some mood-boosting music. Whatever music fits your taste as long as it helps to jumpstart your day and to energize you. My personal favorites are Bill Wither’s Lovely Day and Des’ree’s You Gotta Be.
- Watch an inspirational video. Head on over to Youtube and search for the terms “inspiration” or “motivation.” You’ll find a host of videos and slideshows that can uplift your mornings.
I love the visualization video that can be downloaded for free from The Secret website, “The Secret To You.” The video takes less than 3 minutes so you can watch it everyday.
I like to say the words out loud as I watch the video. I find the amazing images and powerful words really motivating. I especially love saying the last line, “TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”
5. Expect something good to happen.
Consciously watch out for the good things and blessings that come your way. When you expect good things to happen, they will come. Just keep your eyes open.
I think there’s a good reason today is also called the present. Unwrap the gift and watch magic unfold.
6. Take care of yourself.
Eat a hearty breakfast, take a nice bath and put your best clothes on. Treat each morning as the beginning of a special day because it really is.
These are steps I’ve personally practiced and they’ve all worked for me. Try them on for size and see which fits you.
Take the time to ask yourself and think about what can lift your mood in the morning. Tune in to your mind, heart and body, they will tell you what they need. Make your own morning plan and follow it everyday.
Good day or bad day?
The choice is entirely up to you and you are the only one who can make it happen.
As a parting thought, consider this quote from writer and philosopher Elbert Hubbard:
“Be pleasant until 10 o’ clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself.”
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