I’m a firm believer that happiness is a mindset – and one that, if embraced at the start of the day, can affect how the rest of it plays out. Of course, being happy is not as simple as merely saying you are going to be happy. Like most muscles that tend to atrophy after disuse, a happy mindset is something that needs to be built up through small, repetitious actions.
In an effort to start my days off on a more positive – and ultimately more productive – foot, I took the advice of my life coach and my favorite blogger/podcast host/marketing guru Jenna Kutcher and completely restructured my morning. Here are five, simple changes I’ve made to my routine that are already having a positive impact on my life:
Photo by Sanah Suvarna on Unsplash
1.) Waking up 45 Minutes Early
Before I started setting my alarm 45 minutes early, my day began much like anyone else’s – waking up exactly on time and snoozing the alarm more times than I should have, so that by the time I got out of bed I was already running late. Of course that meant that I was stressed out before the day had even started – and more prone to irritability and forgetfulness in my haste to get ready for work. I never had time to mindfully choose an outfit or do my hair and makeup, which meant that I didn’t feel great, which in turn meant that I didn’t exude that confidence that attracts success. In reframing my mornings, waking up earlier has played a big part. It allows me to wake up peacefully and at ease, knowing that I will have more than enough time to get ready, pack lunch, and play with my dog before heading out the door.
2.) Making Fresh Coffee
Waking up 45 minutes earlier than I used to generally requires a little extra motivation to get out of bed – something to look forward to, some little pleasure just for myself to indulge in. Within fifteen minutes of the alarm going off, I’ve washed my face and have a fresh pot of French press coffee brewing on the counter. The aroma fills my kitchen and wafts into my bedroom – one of my favorite scents in the world – and I know that it will be enjoyed slowly over the course of the morning before leaving for work.
3.) Meditating
While the coffee is brewing, and before I’ve had too much time to let my mind run wild with thoughts and worries that ultimately cloud my day (and therefore my actions and reactions), I try to quiet the noise and start from a place of peace, positivity, and creativity. Whether I take 5 minutes or 15 minutes, I find a cozy place (usually with a dog on my lap) and do a guided meditation. When I want to feel inspired to take on a project or double down efforts on current work, I like to listen to meditations that focus on awakening dreams, inspiring creativity, and letting go. If I find that my mind is controlling me (and not the other way around), a simple breath, sound, and body awareness meditation that focuses on being present helps. I’m not perfect (that’s why they call it a “practice”) and some days are easier than others, but just taking a few minutes to live fully in the moment and shut off my mind from running rampant has helped me to feel more at ease, accepting of what is, and receptive to new ideas.
4.) Reading for Pleasure
After I’ve practiced meditating, I pour that steaming mug of French press coffee, add in some coconut milk and cinnamon, and return to the covers for 10-15 minutes to read a book for pleasure. Depending on my mood, I’ll read whatever I want – sometimes nonfiction, sometimes self-improvement, sometimes a novel; the key is that the book be whatever will give me pleasure in the moment. When we spend the majority of our day commuting, working, cooking, cleaning, or taking care of others, there’s something so blissful about starting off your day with a few minutes of doing something entirely for you.