Beyond the Beauty: When your alarm goes off in the morning, do you immediately pick up your phone (because your phone is also your alarm, of course), check your texts, emails, social media platforms, and the news before you get out of bed? You know that’s like crash-landing into the start of your day, right?! So… stop it!
Instead, do these three quick exercises when your alarm sounds to get your day going in a more intentional and uplifting way:
1. Take three deep breaths in and out; count to five on each inhale and exhale. Inhale calm and exhale stress. Inhale the good things in your life, exhale the bad. Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.
2. Think of something you’re looking forward to that day. It doesn’t have to be anything big; something small will do – your afternoon coffee/tea/smoothie, seeing your pet’s face, a workout… Focus on what will be good that day, and remember it as you go about whatever you’re doing.
3. Say a morning affirmation, depending on what you need, and repeat it outloud to yourself three times. Here are some examples: “I deserve to be happy and successful.” “I am smart and able.” “I believe in myself.”
Doing these three steps should only take you maybe five minutes – that’s it! And it will really make a difference in your mood. Try it and let me know how you feel.
Confession: I totally have a bad habit of checking my phone right when the alarm goes off and crash-landing into my day! 😬But I’m getting much better at doing this morning routine instead. It really energizes me and helps me feel much more positive.
I hope this helps you as much as it helps me. And if you need more ideas on how to stay mentally healthy, my partner, Mental Health America, has lots of valuable information.
And be sure to check out my nightly practice to fight depression, too.