It’s been said that how you start your day is how your day goes. Either you run the day or the day runs you, and it all starts when you first wake up. So, the first thing you need to do is get up on the right side of the bed. And I’m not talking about geography; I’m talking about getting into the right state of mind. To set the stage for less stress and a happier day, make sure to follow this easy routine the second you open your eyes.
1. Start with a gratitude list
Starting the day in mental gratitude is a beautiful thing. The best part? You can do it as you’re waking up, when you’re still lying down.
During these waking moments, start with a list of about 10 things that you are grateful for. It can be small things. It can be big things. It doesn’t really matter. But you want to picture each one in your mind and visualize them, and that puts your whole system in that state of gratitude. You can’t be fearful or angry while you are in a gratitude state. Starting the day without fear or anger is a powerful thing that will benefit you throughout the day.
2. Breathe & create your own energy shield
After mentally going through your list of things you’re grateful for, the next thing you should do is take a few deep breaths. Doing this will oxygenate you and start the day right.
Next, it’s time to create your energy shield. This technique is very simple. Just take your hands and rub them together for about 15 or 20 seconds so you can feel the energy. Put this energy field that you created around you. You can visualize most of it. You don’t physically have to go around your body, but you want to mentally create this bubble. It’s not a bubble that will keep you away from anything or anyone; it’s just a little bit of a shield, so that when something comes at you, you have a second to think and not be in a constant reaction state.
As a side note, this energy shield is actually a really fun thing to do with kids, because you can teach them to fill their bubble with sprinkles or with flowers or with colors. And kids get it and they love to do that, and you literally send them to school with this little energy bubble around them. And teach them that when things get a little stressful for them, they need to patch up their energy shield. It’s like when somebody puts plaster on a wall, they need to patch up the holes.
Care for your energy bubble as the day goes on too. It works really well!
3. Use the, “Thank You” mantra
The third morning technique will really help you start your day on the right foot (pun intended).
As you get out of bed, the second you put your feet on the ground, repeat the words “thank” and “you” with every step you take. As you step on your left foot, say “thank,” and then say “you” when you step on your right foot. You can continue this as you go into the bathroom and while you brush your teeth and go through your morning routine. Just keep repeating those words. This will continue to put you in that state of gratitude, which is so key when it comes to not only reducing stress and anxiety, but also feeling more content and happy.
About Christine Cronin
Christine Cronin is the owner and founder of Satya Wellness and The Satya Institute for Ayurvedic Studies. She focuses on the natural health and wellness of her clients using lifestyle advice and non-drug therapies that are both safe and effective. Christine is certified as an Ayurvedic Instructor and a Usui Reiki Master and Teacher.
