Life
6 Calming Ways To Start The Day
For too many of us, the morning is a time of rushing to get ready for work and stressing on the morning commute. These six calming ways to start your day can help you actually enjoy your mornings, and subsequently, your entire day. Think about it, the way in which you wake up in the morning can have a gigantic effect on the way you feel in the afternoon and evening. If you wake up feeling anxious or panicked about getting to work on time, it stresses your mind and body in ways that will take hours to undo. Do yourself the favor and begin your mornings with one of these calming activities instead.
Humans are more prone to stress than any other species on the planet... isn't that nice? For being at the top of the animal kingdom, we really don't seem to act like it. Yes, life will present stressful situations from time to time, but your entire life shouldn't be one giant stress ball. I know, I know, it's easier said than done, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a fresh shot every morning, right? Get your head out of its worrying state when your alarm goes off — I promise you that doing so has the power to affect the entirety of your day.
1. Write In A Journal
There's something about writing down your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and fears that helps your mind release them. If you wake up feeling anxious, write it down and try to pinpoint what it is that's upsetting you. If you wake up feeling like it's going to be a great day, write it down and revel in that feeling for a moment. No matter what you're feeling, putting it on paper can help detangle and clarify your thoughts, helping to make sure your day gets started on the right foot.
2. Read A Chapter Of A Book
Keep a book beside your bed so that once you wake up you can read a chapter of it without even getting out from under the covers. Preferably, a work of fiction, inspirational non-fiction, or a devotional, depending on what you prefer. If you can escape into someone else's words first thing in the morning it will help to change your perspective on the rest of the day.
3. Make Yourself A Cup Of Herbal Tea
Even if you're a coffee fanatic, try starting your day with a warm cup of herbal tea. Caffeine can sometimes leave us feeling jittery and prone to anxiety, and it can be hard on an empty stomach. Pick out a calming herbal tea instead, and take your time to sip it down before you get started with your usual morning routine.
4. Take A Bath
In today's rushed culture, almost everybody takes a quick shower in the morning. If you can get up an extra 20 minutes early, why not try a soothing, hot bath instead? A bath will relax your muscles, give you some time to meditate, and simply be a delightful way to start the day off. Give it a try sometime.
5. Stretch It Out
Your mind may wake up when the alarm goes off, but you still have to give your body some time to wake up as well. Pull out the yoga mat and ease yourself into some peaceful morning stretches. YouTube has a slew of morning stretch routines that will do your body and mind wonders if you choose to start the day off with them.
6. Go For A Walk Around The Neighborhood
Before you head off to work for the day, a 20 minute leisurely stroll around your neighborhood is never a bad idea. It will help you wake up, fill your lungs with fresh air, and most importantly, keep you from feeling rushed and hectic in the mornings before heading to the office. If you have a city park close by, then you really have no excuse.
