Getting off to a great start can set the tone for the rest of the day. Nadia Badarudin lists five ways to kick off the day
IT is always great to wake up every morning feeling happy and blessed, like being on top of the world.
However, there are also days when you wake up feeling annoyed with the shrieking sound of the alarm and wish to do nothing for the rest of the day.
But starting a new day with a positive mind can set the tone for the day and help you to be happy and productive. Here are five simple things to do to get the endorphins and creative juices flowing in the morning.
But first and foremost, you need to set a more uplifting tune for your alarm.
1. MEDITATE
Are you so connected to Instagram or Facebook that checking on the ups and downs of other people’s lives has become a habit as soon as you wake up? Well, stop that.
Start your day by praying or meditating for five minutes instead of reaching for your phone to check on your friends’ statuses. (And yes, e-mails can wait too!). Studies show that meditation increases energy, improves memory and makes you feel less stressful. It makes you become more focused and creative too.
Make a commitment to start your day by enjoying a moment of silence, followed by reflecting on what you are grateful for.
This will make you more resilient during challenging times and help you ward off negative thoughts and emotions.
2. HYDRATE
Your body is dehydrated after sleep, so, you need to drink up as soon as you get up.
Donna Gates, the author of The Body Ecology Diet says that you should drink half of your entire daily water intake by mid-morning to flush out toxins, reduce headaches and make you feel less hungry.
Developgoodhabits.com suggests to start your day by drinking a glass of cold water added with drops of lemon juice. It says that the lemon-infused water is beneficial for your digestive system, reduces the feeling of hunger and freshens your breath.
3. STRETCH
Muscle-stretching exercises can be done after getting up every morning, according to powerofpositivity.com. It says that if done consistently, the exercises can improve your posture and blood circulation, increase flexibility and reduce stress.
Developgoodhabits.com suggests rebounding, a trendy exercise using a small trampoline. Rebounding clears sinuses, tones muscles and increases creativity.
No matter what type of stretching exercise you choose, try to put on your favourite music while doing it. Studies show that music makes you feel good and sets you in the right mood. It boosts your motivation and leads to improved performance too.
4. SET YOUR MIND
Kick start your day by having a well-intentioned plan and a clear mindset. Be clear about the things you want to do or achieve by end of the day.
Studies show that tackling the hardest task first before the easier ones can result in a more productive day.
Nevertheless, positive thinking website, powerofpositivity.com says completing small and quick tasks during your morning routine plays an important part in creating a fruitful, stress-free day. Try to clear small tasks - unmade bed, unwashed dishes, unsorted laundry etc - right away because they can increase your stress level after coming back from work.
5. SMILE
Make it a habit to smile at yourself in the mirror every morning. It has been proven that a smile influences your attitude and well-being. When you smile, think positive thoughts and focus on what you can do or is capable of doing.
And try to put a smile on the face of your loved ones by doing thoughtful gestures like putting a note with encouraging words in your child’s lunchbox, placing a sweet message in your spouse’s work bag or simply by giving them a big hug.