Five Ways to Start Your Day

By Sandi Smith

Start your day intentionally with your happiness in mind, and the rest of the day is more likely to follow suit. Here are a couple of ideas about how to get the positive juices flowing.

First, just take a few minutes for yourself. Relax, close your eyes, and breathe.

1. Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, think of three things you are grateful for. It could be something as small as a vision of a butterfly out your window or as big as being grateful for your amazing family. Don't get up until you have thought of three! Studies show practicing gratitude is one of the more consistent ways to improve your happiness.
2. Pop in your favorite CD and get the juices flowing. Listen to the music mindfully, and enjoy its rhythms.
3. Set an intention for the day. Do you have a question for the universe? A problem you're working on at work? A goal you want to achieve? Or even just a theme for the day? Set a statement, question, or keyword for the day. As you move through the day, look for things that support your intention. Listen to what your intuition is showing you. Have fun with your theme.
4. Think of someone you love. Make a point to call or meet with them during the day to tell them how much you care about them. Telling someone you love them will make their day as well as yours. Do this for someone different every day. In our problem-based world, we often forget to be proactive about our feelings.
5. Meditate. Meditation is catching on big-time. Take 15-30 minutes first thing in the morning to calm and sharpen your mind and receive the benefits of this practice.

Which one is your favorite? Choose it, and try it out for a week.

Build whatever personal ritual you want around your practice. For example, with setting an intention, you might want to write it out, put it in a special bowl, and reflect on it when you get home or before bedtime.

Remember that the goal of any of these is to be happier. IF they suddenly become a burden, then drop it! It's not working for you. Try something else, and keep it light.

Above all, be happy.

BrainWays offers happiness workshops in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas USA area. To book Sandi, call or email us.