Today we feature step 3 of our 10 steps to upgrade your brain.
3. Start your day on a winning note
We all had those days no matter how positive and motivated we are where we wake up, and we are just not feeling it. Some people call it getting out the wrong side of the bed. Some of us sadly just dread the day ahead. For me, it’s inexplicably difficult to wake up in a cheerful, peppy mood. I am most definitely one of those people who needs a cup of coffee and at least an hour of solitude before I would consider myself ready to interact with other people. However, I know that there are plenty of people out there who wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer their days. And so I’m assuming that I am not alone when I ask, what is their secret? How do some people spend the first parts of their days humming and skipping and enjoying the view of the birds out the window while others (myself included) commiserate a bit with Dr. Jekyll during the morning hours?
You see as the great Philosopher Jim Rohn used to say: “Either you run the day or the day runs you” and how you start is a really important part of that.
But what if I could teach you some simple tips to help you start every day on a positive note, which could help you have a great day every day? What if you never have to have another bad wake up again?
Let's look at 5 ways we can start our day off on a positive note:
1. When you wake up in the morning, take a few minutes to check-in (go within). Take a few deep breaths and find something that you're grateful for (your children, partner, your health, the warm bed you are in, nature outside your window). Take this time to be thankful for all that you have in your life instead of wasting your energy on thinking about what you don't have.
2. Instead of pouncing straight out of bed, spend 5 to 10 minutes (or however long it takes) meditating. Simply observe your breath. Breathe in for a count of 4 to 5, allowing your belly and chest to expand, and breathe out also for a count of 4 to 5 allowing everything to drop away. Notice how your breath enters your body, notice how your breath leaves your body, and notice the little pause between each breath. This will allow you to create a sense of peace within and it will also help get you into a good head space before your feet touch the ground.
3. Take a few moments while in the shower and/or while eating breakfast just to be present. Feel the water on your skin, taste the different flavors in your food. It feels good and it's an amazing way to consciously set your energy and intention towards your day.
4. Before breakfast have large glass of water with half a lemon squeezed into it and you may even like to add some ginger or cayenne pepper. This will assist with digestion and is effective in body cleansing and detoxification - it will help get things moving. Follow this with a nutritious breakfast to kick-start your metabolism and fuel your body to face the day ahead. You have just had maybe ten to twelve hours of fasting - your body needs sustenance and is ready to be refueled, so skipping breakfast is a big no, no!
5. Get clear about your intentions for the day. For example, you can intend to have a productive day. You can intend to have quality time with your family and friends with no distractions. You can intend to have a fun and brilliant day. You can intend to have a calm and peaceful day. You can intend to learn something new or be helpful to someone. Whatever it is just be clear about what it is you want your day to be. In order to create, manifest, and attract it, you must first align your heart, mind, and spirit with your intention. In other words, you truly need to feel it!
Many people don't understand the power of thoughts, because they live every day on autopilot, doing most things out of habit, and therefore they create their reality unconsciously, as if they’re wearing a blindfold. But whether we’re aware of it or not, we create our reality with our thoughts and behavior - and this means we have the power to choose to be a conscious, mindful creator and change our reality to what we really want it to be. Remember, you choose your thoughts, you choose your behavior, you choose the outcome. And every choice you make determines how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy.This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.