Everyone has bad days, but if you’re repeatedly waking up on the wrong side of the bed you may want to make some changes to your morning routine. Below are three things you can start today to improve your mood and get your day off to the right start.
Affirmations
The easiest and most effective thing you can do to start the day in a great mood is to write out or recite positive affirmations. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have demonstrated that affirmations can activate reward centers in the brain. Taking advantage of the reward circuitry in your brain is a powerful way to enhance your mood. You should base your daily affirmations on things you may be struggling with or worried about. I have a tendency to be a hypochondriac so phrases like “I am in perfect health” or “I feel healthy, energized, and strong” really resonate with me.
Meditation
Taking 5-10 minutes to quiet your brain each morning can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Meditation helps to relieve stress and anxiety by reducing your body’s cortisol levels and lowering your blood pressure. On an emotional level meditation has been shown to increase your confidence, refine your sense of purpose, and strengthen your compassion for others. Apps like Omvana and Headspace are a great place to start if you’re new to meditation.
Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is another great way to improve not only the quality of your morning but your life. Research has shown that gratitude can improve self-esteem, and mental resilience, helping people overcome various types of trauma. Being grateful can also enhance empathy and reduce resentment, effectively increasing your overall happiness. There are many ways to practice gratitude, but I’ve found that taking a few minutes to journal about the things I’m grateful for each morning is a powerful way to start the day.