Improve mental health by starting the day right
- Leigh Nicholl
- Jun 6, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11, 2023
We all know what it feels like to "get out on the wrong side of the bed", you wake up shitty and the rest of the day pretty much follows that same pattern. It's not to say that realistically, some days will be like this no matter how zen you try to be, but starting your day off doing certain things can really make a difference to improving how your day plays out and your mental health in general.
I "aim" to do this everyday. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I do not but I can really feel the difference on those days. If you have kids, finding time in the morning can be challenging, but doing these simple things can help at any time of the day, it's really about grounding yourself in the present, being present in your body and taking a few short minutes to breath. It's surprising how quickly you feel calm and almost like you've done something super nurturing for yourself, even if it is just for a minute.
First thing's first:
1. Wake up, take a deep relaxing breath and let it out slowly. Try and think of two things
you are grateful for today and have a little think about what your intention may be for
today - it could be as simple as being present with the kids to just getting through the
day without making it onto A Current Affair, whatever resonates with you. Some
examples of intentions you may like to set are:
- staying focussed on your to do list
- being intentional in what you do
- being present and not "checking out"
- embracing change
- embracing flexibility and not being rigid with your schedule
- being spontaneous
- being grateful
It really can be anything that will provide a reminder of how you would like to live out
each day. They give you purpose and inspiration to achieve small steps to being better.
2. Now swing those legs over that bed and sit up, take a big drink of water that you have
put by your bedside table the night before, take another deep breath and land those
feet firmly on the ground with that intention set for the day.
3. Try and just be present in your body, take some breaths in and let them out slowly.
Give yourself a bloody big hug - that hug can be mentally or physically although you
may need to explain it to your partner the first time! Just start your day with that one
little gesture and remind yourself you are enough and you are doing the best you
can.
Now go get 'em
Leigh
Feel free to email me
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