By starting our day off on a positive note, we can often reduce the stressful feelings that arise as the day progresses. However, it’s easy to fall into a routine of stress first thing in the morning. Rushing to work, waking up late, commuting frustrations, lead to starting the day off on a negative note that can be difficult to shape.

Starting your day off focused on things you enjoy, and what you want to achieve, can reduce the stress that can sometimes occur first thing. Aim to spend a few moments each morning focused on what you want your day to look like. Imagining a positive outcome can assist in this actually occurring. So aim to start your day considering what you are looking forward to and practicing self-care first thing. Here are a few strategies you can try to start your day on a positive note:

• Start your day with an activity you enjoy: Choose an activity that feels positive and you enjoy to start off your day. By choosing how you start your day, you’ve already taken control of what the day becomes.

• Drink a glass of water when you wake up: Dehydration can lead to feeling fatigued, and low energy can lead to more stress and frustration. After a night without being hydrated, start your day off drinking water which can lead to boosting your mood. 

• Reframe morning stressors: Stuck in traffic? Spilled coffee? Alarm clock didn’t go off? Validate your feelings and reframe them. Do some deep breathing exercises to help re-regulate your nervous system, in order to identify you can move forward from a challenging morning.

• Avoid morning stressors: Take time to identify what stresses you out in the morning. If you notice something adding stress, find a way to alleviate this. Focus on activities that give you energy in the morning as opposed to activities that add stress or increase fatigue.

• Find ways to relax: Alleviate tension before stress begins. Try to stretch, take a warm shower, or try progressive muscle relaxation to start your day tension-free.

Finding a morning routine full of stress relief, and activities you enjoy can shift the outcome of your day, for the positive.

Struggling with a morning routine that works for you? Stressed out as you get the day started? Click here.