How To Start Your Day On A Positive Note

I have heard it said that we are busier now than we have been at any other point in our history. I am not sure if this is true, but I do believe that much of our busyness is self-inflicted. We pack our weekends full of activities, and then we begin our workweek without quality rest. We go to jobs and work extended hours. And each day, the moment we step foot out into the world, we buy into the projected images of how we should look, what we should think, and how we should feel. Before we know it, we are operating on “overwhelm,” and the day hasn’t even started yet. Maybe we should take a step back and focus on our quality of life versus the quantity we try to jam into it.

Beginning your day with positivity

Get up as planned

It’s so tempting to hit the snooze button more than once! Does this sound familiar? The alarm goes off and you immediately start ticking items off in your head that you can skip that morning so you can sleep longer? I used to do that too! The problem was when I did get up, I would typically feel rushed to get ready. And, without any wiggle room in my schedule, something almost always came up that would make me late. This would only add to my stress level. Most times I would leave the house either forgetting something or feeling like I was behind. Try hitting the hay a little earlier at night and then get up as planned on time, sans snooze!

Be grateful

Each morning try to focus on three things that you are thankful for. It can be little things, like a hot mug of coffee in the morning or a few spare minutes to pet the dog. Finding gratitude for the simplest things in our lives is a great way to focus on the positive. It forces us to concentrate on what we have versus what we don’t have. This is important to do first thing in the morning because it sets the tone for the day. If we start our day grounded, we are not as easily influenced by others. And it's easier for us to allow small mishaps to roll off our shoulders. When we feel centered and balanced, the day will flow more smoothly.

Start a morning workout routine

Let me start by saying that I am not a morning person — never have been! However, the benefits of working out in the morning far outweigh waiting until later in the day. When you workout, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are known as one of the four happy hormones, and they trigger a positive feeling in the body. Getting a daily dose of happiness in the morning is a sure-fire way to start your day on a positive note! Also, an early morning workout ensures that you won’t slack off later in the day. It’s too easy to blow off the gym when all of your friends want to stop for a drink after work. Last, there is good evidence that physical activity in the morning may help you feel more energized throughout the day. It has also been shown to improve focus and concentration. And when you live at an AMLI community, morning workouts are a breeze at their beautiful fitness centers! We especially like the gym at our Marina del Rey apartments.

Take a break from screens

Most of us sleep with our cell phones close by, which means that notifications and texts can awaken us at night and cause us to lose sleep. It also means that we start checking emails, texts and social media first thing in the morning. By doing so, we can get involved in petty interruptions and let them ruin our entire day. By ditching the morning check-in on social media, we can start the day by being present and in tune with the day. And we can start the day in control and on our own terms. I like the quote from Jim Rohn, “Either you run the day or the day runs you."

Drink more water

Drinking water first thing in the morning is one of the best things you can do for your body and your brain. Water gets your metabolism going and hydrates you. You just went 6–7 hours without drinking any water, so you are dehydrated when you wake up. Your brain uses water as fuel. Water significantly affects your energy levels and brain functions. Without proper hydration, we may feel drained or fatigued. Water also helps your body flush out toxins and may make you eat less. By drinking a large glass of water when you wake up, you may feel fuller before you grab breakfast. There are many benefits to drinking water in the morning, most especially, starting your day on a positive note. And remember, water doesn't have to be boring! You can make your own infusions using fruit and other natural ingredients.

Whew! That’s quite the list of morning routine changes! I suggest you start with one or two things and see how quickly you notice improvement. Once you see the change in your mood and energy levels, I am confident that you will be well on your way to starting each day on a positive note!

Featured photo courtesy Unsplash / Emma Simpson