Wake Up On the Bright Side

Getting started with anything is easier when we start our days well. Whether you’re bright-eyed and sun-shiney in the morning, or if those who live with you know to avoid you until you have some coffee in your system, these simple tips will have you waking up smiling at the sun and setting the stage for making great days.

Smile

Even if it looks more like a grimace that would terrify anyone who saw it, scientific research shows that the simple act of smiling, even if it’s forced, automatically tricks your brain into feeling better. When you turn that frown upside down, there is instant feedback to the brain that reinforces a feeling of joy. So even if you have to visualize your alarm clock flying across the room to get it done, choose to start your day with a smile.

Practice Gratitude

Being thankful is an instant game changer, and mornings before your feet even hit the ground are great for a gratitude practice.

Consider keeping a small gratitude journal next to your bed, and upon awakening, put a big smile on your face and reach for the journal. Take a quick look at the things you’ve expressed gratitude for already this week and then jot down an additional thing or two that you are thankful for. These can include things that are a normal part of your life, new things in your life, or something coming in the day.

Prayer and Meditation

Can science and spirituality go hand in hand? Turns out they can because science has shown that starting your day with the spiritual practices of prayer and meditation have a tremendous impact on your brain—and on the rest of your day. Add this to your morning routine by simply taking 5-15 minutes to get comfortable, get quiet, and connect with God. If you’re worried about falling back to sleep, simply set a quiet alarm so you can focus on relaxing.

Drink 20 ounces of Purified Water

We all know that being properly hydrated is super important for feeling and doing well. When you first wake up in the morning, your body has been undergoing an 8-hour (hopefully) water fast. Fill your water bottle with purified water at night and set it on your bedside table. When you wake up, drink it down. Rehydrating first thing gets your system back to a good state and is just one more great way to start your day.

Nourish Your Body

Your body is a temple that houses an amazing spirit with great purpose on planet earth. For you to live your best, your body must be nourished, and what we feed our bodies for breakfast tends to set the stage for the rest of our day. Instead of falling into the trap of saying, “I just don’t have time for a healthy breakfast,” choose to prepare in advance so you can start your day well. Keep fresh fruit and boiled eggs on hand for a quick and nutritious breakfast that requires no time in the morning or find a healthy and nutritious smoothie that you can shake up on the go. Fueling our bodies well in the morning will always set the stage for better days.

Put these five tips into play in your morning routine, and set yourself up for having a great day. And, you will most likely find that when you intentionally start your day well, those days have a tendency to end well, too.

 How do you start your day?