It happens to everybody at some point (and for some, even daily!). Whether it’s the case of the Mondays, the morning commute, the general “grab yourself up by the collar” lull in the morning. Whatever it may be that starts off your day, there are some things that you can do to help improve the way your day begins.
Here are 5 simple steps to follow to help start your day off on a better foot.
- Get Your Rest. One of the best things you can do for yourself to start your day off actually happens the day before and that’s making sure that you get plenty of rest. It’s recommended that you get a minimum of 6 hours of sleep each day and preferably up to 8 hours if possible. This may require discipline and a change-up to your routine. The more you can keep yourself in routine each night, the better.
- Wake Up an Hour Earlier. It’s never fun feeling rushed or like you can’t seem to get all the things you want or need to done in the morning before you have to head to the office. Try waking up an hour earlier to see how much more productive you are in that hour and to experience what a morning without the rush and stress feels like.
- Get Moving! If possible, try incorporating some kind of physical activity in the morning before you actually start your day. This could be as simple as a quick walk around the neighborhood and with some fresh air or even relaxation through stretching and meditation. Your body will thank you later on for that, especially when you may not have time or energy to get to the gym.
- Eat a Hearty Breakfast. Sure, you’ve heard it before about the importance of having breakfast in the morning and you’re going to hear it again. If you’re getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night and couple that with the probability that you didn’t eat just before you went to bed, you haven’t fed your body for probably well over 10-12 hours. If you don’t eat breakfast and you wait until lunchtime, not only will you be starving your body and mind of necessary nutrients to be at the top of your game, but there’s a greater chance that it may have a huge impact on your mood which may result in irritability, moodiness and even over-eating when you do eat. So, use the extra time you have each morning to ensure you eat a fulfilling balanced breakfast.
- Smile. Starting your day off with a smile and realizing that today is a new day and is a great feeling. Try smiling or even watching a TV show or listen to a radio show that makes you smile and laugh to help lift up your spirits in the morning. A little happy music (coupled with some dancing) never hurt anyone either!
Whatever works best for you, putting to practice some of these simple tips for helping you start off your day right is a great way to get your day going.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MarkWillDCT.
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