This Morning Routine Will Improve Your Mood
The 5 step guide to feeling good each day.
We all know how hard it can be get up in the mornings. Now, especially, as the days are getting shorter. Getting up for work in the morning when it is still dark outside and in fact the sun doesn’t even raise its head until we are in the office (if it decides to come out at all, that is). Winter can be a depressing time for all of us. It’s cold, wet and we really don’t get enough Vitamin D to satisfy our needs.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a common problem in the UK with 1 in 3 people suffering from it each year. That, alongside the current strains and worries that we are all facing from the Coronavirus pandemic, sadly puts us into a distressing few months ahead.
While there is not much we can do to change the current climate, there is something we can do in ourselves to help us feel a little better. Putting ourselves in a good state of mind when we wake up will certainly pave the way to a more positive and productive day ahead.
This is something I teach my clients from the outset. Although it may take a bit of getting used to, when you follow this morning routine, it will soon become second nature and you will certainly notice an improved state of mind. It really will improve your mood - and we all know how every piece of positivity we can get our hands on is like gold dust at the moment!
Most of us have a similar morning routine - wake up, check phone, have a wash, get dressed, drink coffee, eat a quick breakfast (if anything at all), find keys, leave for work.
Although it is straight to the point, it doesn’t help us with any positivity. That routine is just that: routine. We don’t need to think, to assess ourselves, to appreciate ourselves.
I believe that is wrong. We all need to be present in each moment of our lives, however tired we may be feeling.
Therefore, I want to share with you a new, simple routine. One that will allow you to get the best out of your day, every day.
The night before, prepare a healthy, tasty breakfast and a work lunch if needed. Recipe ideas here.
On waking, put on a positive guided meditation for 20 minutes. That way you are still relaxing but slowly allowing your body and mind to wake up and enhance all the positive thoughts that you want for the day ahead.
When you get out of bed, stretch your body for 10 minutes. Easy pilates or yoga stretches will work. This allows your body to feel engaged and limber up after a night being in one position in bed. It helps to focus your mind too.
Take time to sit down and eat breakfast. It is known as the most important meal of the day for a reason! Eating in the morning kick-starts your metabolism, making you feel more energetic. Researchers say that missing breakfast, even now and again, substantially increases your chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes.
On your way to work, or even if you work from home, put on some positive happy music before you start. A song that you love, that you know the words to and that makes you feel great when you hear it. Sing along if you can. Start to put a happy playlist together, of all your favourite upbeat songs. Music has such a strong influence over our emotions.
Start the day as you wish to end it - happy, healthy, energetic and feeling good!