Lifestyle | 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

Since the move, I’ve been trying to get my morning routine down pat. It’s been about 3 months in the new place and I’m beginning to get better with it. Although I can go with the flow, I’m such a stickler for routine. I’m much more productive when there’s a set routine in place. I’ve been working on ways to make my mornings and days a bit easier and I think I have a good grasp what works for me. Here are 11 easy ways to have a better day and a great morning! 

1. Pray and express gratitude. | As soon as I open my eyes, I whisper or say “thank you, Lord”. Expressing gratitude for a new day is the least I can do. My husband and I also pray together before he heads to work. It sets the tone for our day and I’m so thankful we’ve made this a morning ritual. Afterward, I take a few moments to myself and say a personal prayer as well. Some days I’ll read a scripture or my Daily Bread instead. Either way, I start each day with prayer and expressing gratitude.

2. Find and repeat a positive affirmations/quote. | Every morning I find an affirmation or quote that fits my mood and I repeat it 3 times. I sit with it for a moment and if it’s something I feel compelled to share, I’ll post it to my Instagram. Positive words make me feel good and if I can share a small piece of that positivity with others, I do it.  

3. Drink cold water or a cup of hot tea. | Depending on the day, I’ll opt for a cold glass of water or a warm cup of tea in the a.m. If I need a burst of energy, I go with the ice cold water. It’s a great way to jump start and wake up the rest of your body. If I know I have an easy-going day ahead, the hot cup of tea does the trick. It calms, soothes and gets me ready to for a nice relaxing day.

4. Eat something. | I haven’t always been the best at eating breakfast, but I now make it a point to eat something about 30-40 minutes after I wake up. Even if it’s a piece of fruit or a 1/2 a bagel, I make sure something is on my stomach soon after I wake up. Nowadays I usually make eggs, grilled peppers and a piece of toast or a bowl of oatmeal. Both meals are hearty and keep me full until lunchtime.

5. Take a cold (or lukewarm) shower. | I usually shower after eating and I LOVE those moments. The bathroom is like my sanctuary. All my ah-ha moments and brilliant ideas happen in the shower, lol. After I wash my face and complete my morning face/teeth brushing routine, I hop in the shower. At first, I make sure the water is warm, but a few minutes before I get out I turn the water to cold or lukewarm. That burst of cold definitely wakes me up!

6. Take a moment. | After my shower, I like to take a moment to myself and sit on the side of the bed. Here I usually just sit in silence to gather my thoughts. It’s moments like this I just breathe and try to pay attention to my breath. I’m trying to ease into meditation so this helps get me used to sitting still, if only for a few moments.

7. Listen to Music. | Still on my bedside, I’ll reach for my phone, scroll through my music and turn on my Morning Playlist. I may even turn on an audiobook or podcast, depending on my mood. Mostly, music is my #1 choice. I listen for a few moments, while still sitting on my bed, hook the phone to the speakers, then continue getting ready.

8. Stretch. | While getting dressed, I stretch a bit in between putting on my clothing. Moving and stretching help continue to wake up my body. I’m the worst at stretching, so I try to do this while listening to music. I’m usually already moving and dancing around so it’s perfect!

9. Make your bed. | My grandfather drilled this in my head at a young age and thankfully, I carried this good habit over into adulthood. Making the bed every day creates a calm environment in your bedroom. Plus, it looks nice! When I come home after a long day the last thing I want to look at is an unmade bed. Seeing the bed made and neat gives me peace of mind. In our household, it’s a must. Being the passionate hospitality professional he is, hubs really appreciates that I’ve made this a habit and he too makes the bed if he leaves after me. #TeamWork

10. Leave a few minutes early. | This is something I constantly work on, but leaving the house a few minutes early eliminates a stressful commute to work. Leaving early leaves time for those out of nowhere traffic jams or unexpected accidents. It also allows you to arrive a few minutes early, giving you time before you head to work to breathe, say a quick prayer, and get ready for whatever craziness might come.

11. Smile. | Throughout the day I smile, at strangers, those I work with, and even myself. It’s just so much easier to be pleasant and flash a smile every now and then. You never know who your smile may uplift during your day.

So tell me, what are some things you do to ensure that you have a great day? Let me know!

Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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