At some point in our lives we may have been asked, or asked of someone else, “On what side of the bed did you wake up this morning?” Of course, the intent in the sarcasm is to highlight an irritable or ornery mood; we all have them from time to time.
Sometimes our mornings include dealing with difficult people or the stress of a long commute. No matter what the circumstances, there is value in starting the day on the right foot. A good morning can positively affect your productivity and interactions with others throughout the day.
Consider adjusting your nighttime and morning routines to increase your sense of peacefulness and optimism, which can improve your life on many levels.
Prepare in advance. The foundation of a good morning starts the night before. Establish a nighttime routine that includes preparation for the morning, such as choosing what clothes to wear, what to eat for breakfast, and what route to take to work.
Get adequate sleep. Stop working at any task an hour before bedtime to calm mental activity. According to the National Sleep Foundation, one in three Americans has daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily activities on a regular basis.
Wake up early. Although it is not an easy habit to get into, getting up early to enjoy some time to your self can be rewarding. You might spend this time reading something inspirational or listening to music that promotes relaxation and creativity.
Establish rituals that might include making your bed. A simple thing to do, it helps some people bring order to the start of the day.
Get some exercise. It is beneficial to exercise in the morning. Whether it’s yoga, hitting the gym or a short series of stretches, morning exercise is a rewarding habit.
Eat a regular, healthy breakfast. Too many people skip or skimp on breakfast and suffer the consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy breakfast that includes whole grains, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy and fruits and vegetables, promotes better concentration and productivity throughout the day.
Connect with your loved ones before you leave the house. Kiss all the people you love in your house, as well as the dog and cat, before you leave. Connecting with your family can help to soothe stress and refocus on what’s most important to you.
Ease the aggravation of your commute. The principals of time management and stress management are the keys. Allow enough time to comfortably get from Point A to Point B. Find ways to accept and productively cope with the stress. This might include listening to a book on tape, breathing deeply or mentally organizing your day.
Commit to a positive attitude. Attitude influences your satisfaction. As you encounter others at work, your positive attitude will help to strengthen your interactions.
Make a To-Do list for the day. Organize your tasks based on what must be done, what might be able to wait, and what you can either do or not do without consequence. This step helps you transition from your peaceful morning to your work day in an organized fashion.
Sources: The National Sleep Foundation, the Mayo Clinic, LifeWork Strategies, Inc., and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.
