How we start our day sets the tone for the whole day. So if we start our day well, it’s much more likely we will have a good day.
What are the three essential ingredients to a great start?
1. What you put in your mind
What do you allow yourself to think about when you wake up? Do you immediately start worrying or thinking negative thoughts? Do you reach for your phone and inundate your sleepy self with a huge amount of information and potentially triggering content? If so, you are not alone, so many of us unconsciously start the day in anxiety and overwhelm from the moment we wake up. It doesn’t feel good and it doesn’t set you up for a great day.
The solution is to consciously choose what you put in your mind, that is to choose your thoughts for the first few minutes, choose not to look at social media or emails. You could meditate when you get up, you could list a few things you are grateful for in your life, you could repeat some affirmations – or all of the above! It doesn’t take long and it will make the world of difference.
2. What you put in your body
What we put in our bodies first thing sets up our digestion process, our energy levels and decides whether we feel like a light, bright, healthy person or a Maccie D’s munching couch potato. I recommend the 80/20 rule here – if you choose wholesome, healthy options 80% of the time, you can enjoy treats, croissants and bacon baps 20% of the time. My morning routine includes hot water with lemon, ginger and apple cider vinegar to cleanse and support my digestive system, followed by a vegan protein smoothie with lots of super foods whizzed in.
3. How you move your body
Moving your body in the morning doesn’t need to be a five mile run! It can be spending five minutes stretching in bed, doing fifteen minutes of yoga or dancing around to a couple of your favourite tracks. Moving your body first thing gets your circulation going, relieves some of the stiffness after lying down all night, and gets the feel-good endorphins flowing.
Setting yourself up for a great day doesn’t need to take a long time, but it does take changing some habits and being disciplined enough to stay consistent with your new routines. I promise you it is worth it – try it for a week and see for yourself…
Written by Gemma Ford
About The Author
Gemma Ford
Gemma is a qualified yoga teacher and intuitive life coach. After receiving her training in India and Los Angeles she settled in South West London where she teaches yoga via her YouTube channel as well as coaching locally and internationally. Gemma loves to teach and support her clients to reach their highest potential in health, wealth and happiness.