8 Simple Ways to Start the Day Right
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
Bad days are unavoidable. It's just not possible to have everything play out as you would like every day (wouldn't that be really boring, anyway?). Some days, you miss the bus first thing in the morning, arrive late for work, or make a major mistake at work, and then snap at a friend. By the end of the day, you're just done. The next day couldn't come sooner.
But you know what they say about life throwing you lemons. How we deal with the not-so-good days is what in turn affects our mood and outlook. Just because we got up from the wrong side of bed doesn't mean we're doomed to have a crappy day.
Here are some simple ways to counter the bad days:
1. Give Thanks for the Small Things
Compile a list of all the things you are thankful for in your life, be it big or small, like the smell of coffee in the morning or the amazing support group you have in your friends. We gain happiness from being grateful for what we have and not comparing ourselves to others.
2. Think Positive!
One positive thought every morning has the potential to transform your whole day. Even if you might not have had the best morning, come up with one positive thought ("things can only get better from here") and hold on to it. Our thoughts influence our attitude and emotions, so change what you can control, and go about the day with a positive outlook. You might be surprised at how things change for the better!
3. Be Prepared
Start the night before. If you can get everything in order for the next day, half the battle is already won. Check your calendar and corresponding to-do lists. This might seem obsessive to some, but hey, Monica Geller from FRIENDS will tell you it pays off. Your day becomes more focused, and you can get started on achieving all that you set out to do right away.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
4. Be Kind
Kindness has been proven to improve one's mood, and it makes you think more about others instead of yourself. Be it random acts of kindness like complimenting someone's dress or smile, holding open the door, or helping a colleague at work, or volunteering at the children's home every week, being gracious to the people around you can bring about a positive impact to everyone's lives. Plus, you're accumulating good karma, so pay it forward!
5. Live Simply
Just remember: you can do anything you want, but not everything. You can try to do things faster, but you'll also just burn out sooner. Taking on more than you can handle will only leave you feeling stressed and overstretched. So focus on what is most important to you and channel your energy into it.
6. Crank Up the Music!
Listening to feel-good music makes you want to get up and do something productive with your time. Create a playlist of songs that put you in a good mood instantly, or look for mood-lifting playlists on Spotify. Morning become twice as fun with those tunes playing in the background.
Photo courtesy of Nickie Minaj
7. Get moving!
The ability of exercise to boost mood is undisputed, and just squeezing in a brisk walk everyday can do wonders for your health. Being active releases endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters in our brain) into our bloodstream, thus relieving stress and anxiety.
8. Get Enough Z's
You've heard this many times before, but getting a good night's sleep can make all the difference in your mood! Imagine dealing with the whole day on just a few hours' sleep. We bet you'd be cranky too. Give your mind, body, and soul a time-out by catching enough Z's, and you'll be much happier you did.
What other habits do you keep to start your day right? Share your tips in the Comments section below!
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