How do you wake up each morning? Is it a tranquil, calm, relaxing environment?
Or is it hitting the snooze, jumping out of bed at the last second and rushing to work?
If you’re in the latter category, you’re missing out on so many benefits of creating a morning routine. No matter if you’re struggling in life or doing great, here are 5 things you should do every morning to set the tone for your best day ever.
1. Smile For No Reason | 5 Things to Do Every Morning
Have you ever had someone tell you to cheer up and smile? It’s probably not the most welcomed advice, depending on the situation, but it’s incredibly useful.
Science has shown that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and as a result prolong your life. Instead of waking up stressed or anxious about the day, smile and appreciate your life.
Seriously, fake it until you make it! Smiling can trick your brain into believing you’re happy which can then spur actual feelings of happiness.
Is there a better way to start the day?
2. Express Gratitude | 5 Things to Do Every Morning
It’s easy to forget that happiness doesn’t come from getting something we want but recognizing all that you already have in your life. As Jim Rohn said, “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.”
As soon as you wake up express gratitude for all that is great in your life. When I wake up I am instantly grateful for another day, my significant other, my dog, and so much else. I try to think of at least three or more things in my life to be grateful for before my feet hit the floor.
3. Take a Deep Breath | 5 Things to Do Every Morning
Each day you wake up and can take a breath is another day to pursue your hopes and dreams.
Recent scientific study from Stanford University confirms the long held belief, that controlled breathing calms you down.
So take a moment each morning to take a few full, deep breaths. Enjoy the peace and serenity you get from clearing your lungs and expressing gratitude each day.
4. Meditate | 5 Things to Do Every Morning
As the old Zen saying goes, “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.”
The scientifically proven benefits of meditation are undisputable. Meditation reduces anxiety & stress, improves focus & cognition, meditation has even been shown to improve your memory and enhance your immunity! All the more reason to incorporate meditation into your morning routine!
Each year more and more studies seem to come out talking about all the ways meditation improve your life.
There are all kinds of ways to find peace through meditation. You can sit quietly, use an app, do a mindfulness training or Transcendental Meditation.
Personally, I started Transcendental Meditation earlier this year and can’t believe the benefits. I’ve never felt more focused, refreshed, and alive every day.
As David Lynch, the founder of TM said, “The thing about meditation is; You become more and more you.
5. Set Your Intentions For The Day | 5 Things to Do Every Morning
To be focused each day you need clarity. Spend time each morning setting your three biggest intentions for the day.
If possible, try to complete them before you even leave the house or do them first thing at work.
When you become intentional with your mornings you will become more intentional with your days as well. Spend a few minutes getting clear on what you want to achieve to make each day a huge success.
How many of these tricks are you doing each morning? Hopefully all of them but if not get started as soon as possible. All of them combined will set you up for better mornings and more fulfilling days.
A great way to start is a post-it next to your bed just in case you wake up and go back to your old habits. Do these five things and I promise you’ll have more happiness and joy in your life than ever before.