How you start your day is how you live your day!

I learned this concept from Louise Hay and I love it. When you think negatively upon awakening, you send out that message to the world. You set in motion a negative pattern that affects your attitude and your feelings for the rest of the day.

What’s the first thought in your head when you wake up?

Is it: “oh no! Another long day is starting?” Or is it, “thank you world for making me alive and healthy?”

1. START YOUR DAY ON A POSITIVE NOTE

What’s the first thing that you do in the morning? Read the newspaper? Check your emails?

I remember years ago when I would rush out of bed and go straight to my computer, checking emails and reading the news. Before I knew it, I would get upset about something I read or get worried about an email I got. By the time I had breakfast I was already stressed and overwhelmed.

Starting your day on a positive note is essential for your health. Your reaction to life and your attitude towards stress become more centered and positive if you create a habit of self-care first thing when you wake up.

2. USE AFFIRMATIONS TO SHIFT YOUR THINKING & YOUR FEELINGS

Your brain might be used to thinking negative thoughts. Your heart might have a lot of negative feelings. The best way to train yourself is to come up with an affirmation that will remind you of how you want to feel and what you want to think.

One of my life coaching clients, Jeanine, got into a habit of not wanting to get up in the morning and it created a vicious cycle of not exercising, being late to activities and being unmotivated to leave the house. We came up with a list of affirmations. Here are a couple of them:

• Thank you world for the wonderful day that is ahead of me
• I take charge over my life, I create an amazing day

Jeanine forced herself to say the affirmations first thing in the morning. She was surprised when it helped her to feel motivated to put her sneakers on and go running. Within days, she was actually looking forward to waking up in the morning and saying her affirmations. She felt much more energized and focused and enjoyed her new morning routine. After a week, she sounded so much better and she felt great. When I asked her what made the difference, she said: “It’s the mental shift and the emotional shift that create a sense of well-being.” Isn’t it beautiful how she phrased it?

3. CREATE A PRACTICE OF SELF-CARE

Self-care should be a priority every day so it becomes a habit. Just like you practice playing the piano or playing tennis, you have to practice self-care. If you want to continue taking care of your family members, you should take better care of yourself first. Just like they say on airplanes: In case of emergency, put on your oxygen mask first and then help your child.

Reiki is a great practice of self-care. Read more about Reiki here.

You’re probably so used to taking care of others first – that’s why you need to practice.

4. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Start small. Wake up 15 minutes earlier than your regular time. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual, if you need. Make sure you have 7-9 hours of sleep. Decide on a positive morning routine and be consistent with it. For example: you can read an inspiring book, listen to guided visualization on your phone ( Simply Being and Budhhify are my favorites) and say your affirmations.

Remember: How You Start Your Day is How You Live Your Day.