Ever heard of the popular phrase “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” which describes someone that is in an irritable mood or downright having a terrible day. We feel like our ducks aren’t in a row on those long days.
Then the phrase "woke up on the right side of the bed" describes someone in a jovial mood and having a brilliant day with everything sailing smooth. We feel like our stars are aligned, we’re acing our day and feeling like we’re at the top of our game. While most of it is a myth, something about it stands out correct. How you start your day can hugely influence how you go on about the rest of it.
The truth is that starting your day off right begins the night before. That is, going to bed at a reasonable time to give your body the amount of sleep it requires to be positively fueled for the next day. When you are not well-rested, you are exposing yourself to burnout because your body will run on the little energy left.
You know that moment where it feels like some weight has suddenly been lifted off your shoulders, that is what I’m talking about.
You can do some simple things every night to help you achieve this. It begins with holding your bedroom/sleeping area as a sacred space. A space where peace dwells and you protect it at all costs. Let it be as comfortable as possible according to what works for you. The reason this is helpful is that the minute you walk in there, your body will automatically wind down and lead you to sink into relaxation mode. You know that moment where it feels like some weight has suddenly been lifted off your shoulders, that is what I’m talking about. The things you keep at your bedside should also be in contribution to this. Instead of keeping a super bright night lamp, switch it up with a dim one to set the resting atmosphere. Keep a glass of water and a notebook.
Most people have the habit of surfing through social media on their phones till they fall asleep. This is something I was accustomed to as well and I found myself going on for hours upon hours of watching online funny videos and before I realised it, I’d find myself awake way after midnight. Some people enjoy watching TV as they lay down in bed but how sustainable is it to have one in your bedroom because if you have it in there, you may want to watch it. That takes away a little bit of quiet time to process your day before falling asleep.
Without a doubt, you would be giving yourself the chance to rest beautifully.
The good news is that it is never too late to substitute these habits with healthier ones that are more beneficial to our bodies and well-being. Taking your notebook and writing down things that are bothering you will help you slow down. Set intentions for the next day and even write down the things for which you are thankful. Without a doubt, you would be giving yourself the chance to rest beautifully.
If you can, get up an hour early. I remember for the longest time I’d refer to myself as “not a morning person”. I disliked everything about getting up and getting ready for the day. I didn’t have any routine or anything positive that I looked forward to in the mornings. Because of that, my days started dreadfully and dull. I’d feel tired and annoyed for the rest of the day because I’d already deemed the day boring. It is only until I completely changed my approach and got up earlier than usual to give myself enough time to wake up fully, get ready with no rush, and do what I need to do to set up my day.
When you wake up in the morning, you have another chance to kick start your day with all the right things.
Get your attitude in check. The mind is a powerful dwelling place. What we think has a massive impact on how we look at everything. It is believed that what we think is what we become and to a high extent, it is credible. If you think today is going to be a long day, for sure you will drag everything because that is already what you are expecting for the day. But if you were to switch it up with some positive affirmations, imagine how your day would be. Tell yourself how beautiful and successful today will be, how great you will be, and how awesome you are. Encourage yourself to do the best you can believing you will prosper. Positive affirmations give your mentality the recognition of your abilities and what you can achieve.
When you wake up in the morning, you have another chance to kick start your day with all the right things. Drink a glass of freshwater to immediately rehydrate your body. Drinking water first thing in the morning flushes out the stomach and therefore balances the lymphatic system. A stable lymphatic system will help build a strong immune system, which will prevent us from getting sick as often.
Do some form of activity. When we feel good physically, we thrive even better mentally. Do some quick exercises and get your body moving? I know you’re probably thinking you don't have time to spare for a morning workout, but it doesn’t have to be anything intense or a full-on gym session. The beauty of exercising is that you can create your own that works the best for you. It could be as simple as just a few breathing exercises or a few stretches and go. Yoga is also as equally powerful.
Listen to something positive. As you get ready in the morning and during your work travel, listen to something that gives you positive and happy vibes. When you listen to sad news, things that break your heart and give you grief, you are at risk of spoiling the mood for the rest of the day. You could listen to a podcast, or some feel-good music to block out any negative thoughts that may want to invade your day.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that is because it gives you the energy to take on the new day. You want to feel strong and confident and when we have the right amount of energy, we thrive at full capacity. It is even better if we can incorporate brain-stimulating content into our breakfast. Things like green-leafy vegetables, berries, tomatoes, nuts, and seeds, help keep our minds actively boosted.
These are easy to do and within reach for most people, but they can feel overwhelming all at once. First, pat yourself on the back if you are already doing some of them. You can start with one until it becomes a habit and then add another one.