Here’s how you can wake up with a positive mindset and intent.

1. Don’t Lay a Finger on Your Phone.

Raise your hand if the first thing you do when your morning alarm goes off is reach out to your phone and check the 20 notifications you received while you were asleep. Without a doubt, we are all guilty of it. 

Somehow, this has become a natural instinct for most of us the moment we open our eyes. We respond to messages, scroll through social media, and read our work email. Before our brain wakes up, it’s already overwhelmed by all the information we feed it. 

A friendly reminder, the world can wait. Try turning your phone to airplane mode or leaving your phone in a different room before you sleep. It’s time we dig out the good old-fashioned alarm clock.

2. Indulge (a little) at Breakfast

We’re familiar with this scene: Monday morning, we’re rushing out of bed to get ready, and just before we walk out the door, we’d stuff our faces with a muffin and a big sip of milk to gulp it down. 

Let’s slow down, and try to enjoy our first meal of the day. We aren’t saying you should sit down to have an hour-long breakfast, but at least set aside enough time to eat with intent so you can enjoy your food. This will help you avoid moving through your day mindlessly.

3. Morning Routine

Yes, your morning skin care routine - the toner, the serum, the eye cream, the lotion, and the sunscreen! This is your daily ritual that you’ve created, and it’s also the first act of self love - so take your time and enjoy the process. Even if it means waking up 10 minutes earlier. 

Put on your playlist, lather that moisturizer on your face, or lay a face mask to brighten up that skin glow. Got an extra minute? Grab the face roller in your fridge to wake up and de-bloat. 

4. Inhale, Exhale

Breathing is definitely on autopilot for many of us, sometimes we aren’t aware of the pace at which we breathe. inconsistent breathing can cause stress and anxiety. 

Give this a try:
Breathe in, through your nose, expand your belly and exhale through your mouth while emptying your stomach. Repeat this 2 more times. 

This exercise helps you be aware and mindful of your breathing. It’s a way of grounding yourself first thing in the morning to increase your clarity and focus throughout the day. 

5. Good Morning Mother Nature

It’s proven that our dear mother nature reduces anxiety and stress. Put your phone away, and take a moment to observe everything around you when you open your eyes, even if it’s just the standing tall tree outside your window. 

Taking in nature doesn't mean we have to be in the woods - this can also mean taking a quick scroll in your neighbourhood park. 

6. Affirmations

Mornings, especially weekday mornings, can be stressful, as the first thing that runs across our mind is our never-ending to-do list. As we mentioned earlier, the world can wait. Take a moment to say or write down three things you’re grateful for and three things that inspire you. Most importantly, remind yourself - “ I am amazing! “ because you ARE amazing!

Speaking kindly to yourself first thing in the morning just like you would say “Good morning and have a nice day! “ to your neighbour.

You may start with one or two or all of these practices to turn a gloomy morning into a bright and beautiful one!