Why Starting Out the Day Right Makes All the Difference

Starting the day in the right fashion by mentally preparing for the day ahead and taking some time to reflect on the positives in one’s life can be the perfect way to begin the day.

Does it matter whether you sleep in and roll out of bed at 9am or if you wake up early and alert? Everyone has their own routine, whether its drinking coffee with the morning paper or eating a favorite cereal. However, research shows that individuals who start out the day positively will statistically have a better day. That is, the positive way you start out the day can actually make your day better.

Regardless of whether you are a night owl or a morning person, starting out the day positively will improve your psychological wellbeing. Doing so will help improve your body, mind and even your attitude. Below are six positive things that will help start your day out on the right foot.

Visualization

Can thinking about a happy, successful day make it one? Researchers say yes. According to Harvard psychologist Stephen Kosslyn and his team, perception and imagination are closely linked. That is, imagining something good has almost the same neurological effects as actually perceiving something good.

Positive visualization is when you focus and mentally project being successful and happy. Every morning, instead of just zoning out, try taking a few minutes to think about the day and the tasks ahead. Imagine yourself getting to work on time, completing your work and doing a good job. Doing so will instill confidence, clear your mind and start your day positively.

The Early Bird

Cynics will say that while the early bird gets the worm, the second mouse gets the cheese. However, the morning is the ideal time for planning and preparing for the day ahead. Instead of waking up and rushing around, set your alarm clock and wake up 15 minutes earlier. During this time, calm yourself, do something constructive and plan your day. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

One 2011 study showed that over 30 million Americans skip breakfast each day. That is approximately 10% of the population. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides the necessary fuel and energy for our bodies and brains. Don’t feel rushed though, because according to nutritionists, breakfast can be eaten within two hours of waking. As mentioned before, wake up early so you aren’t rushed and have ample time to eat a healthy breakfast. Doing so will energize the body, sharpen the mind and give you the confidence you need.

Be Grateful

Is it old fashioned to be grateful and “count your blessings?” Obviously, it is best to appreciate others and what we have. There is always someone in a worst situation and being thankful helps create a respectful, understanding attitude which helps with relationships and getting work done. This is similar to visualization, where we think positive things about ourselves and others.

Inspire Yourself

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Inspiring words of wisdom, whether religious or non-religious, all have value. Reading and reflecting on positive things helps to calm us, raise self awareness and deepen our understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us. Take a few minutes to read something inspirational and you will find yourself feeling more positive and ready to deal with the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Continuous Improvement

During the early quiet minutes of the morning ask yourself “how can I make today better than yesterday?” Think about yesterday’s mistakes and focus on what you can do to change them today. Think positively about improving yourself and helping others.

In conclusion, through visualization, waking up early, not skipping breakfast, being grateful and inspiring and improving ourselves we can have a positive and successful life.

This content is inspired by the article ‘6 Positive Ways to Start Your Day’ by Remez Sasson, first published at successconciousness.com.