I’ll admit that I have a brain that never slows down. And for the longest time, the first moments of each morning were the worst part of my day. I’d obsess about the things that were not going right, the thousands of things I had to do that day, and who aggravated me from the day before. I would be ready to pull the covers over my head and check out for the day.
I know I am not alone in this challenge to being excited about starting each day. And when we combine our own “reprocessed stuff” with a tough economy and an unstable world, it is easier to wake up grumpy than excited. But how we wake sets the tone for our entire day. And I don’t want to waste any day being unhappy.
So, here are 5 ways to wake up happy each day:
1. Go to bed happy and grateful. Studies support that if your nighttime routine is happy, positive and grateful, your brain is primed to be more upbeat and happy during the night and in the morning. Develop a relaxing and gratitude nighttime routine by disconnecting from news, current events and other stresses. Watch a sitcom, read a book, write in a journal, spend time with people who matter, spend time with a hobby. Chill.
2. Have a plan to do (at least) one thing you love everyday. Getting excited about something you have planned can start your day on a high note. Plan a lunch with a friend, try a new coffee drink, commit time to read another chapter in a book you love, watch a favorite show, walk in the park, etc. Customize your day with something that make your life great – something to look forward to each day.
3. Choose wisely who you wake up next to. The quality of our daily relationships significantly impacts the way we wake. Work our any problems before heading to bed. Focus on what you love about the other person instead of their “humanity” (because you’ll want them to do the same with you). Always choose to be with people who share your values, and who respect, honor and care about you.
4. Meditate. For thousands of years, eastern cultures have been using meditation to diminish the ego, quiet the internal noise, and be in the moment. Allow yourself time to wake earlier than you need to get up (starting your day frenzied sets a bad tone for the entire day). In those extra moments, close your eyes and concentrate on being grateful. Not only does it change your focus, it allows you time to gradually connect to your day and your world. Check out Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn for some help getting started.
5. Choose wisely about what you do in your life. Work, life and spirit are all interconnected – there isn’t a “work” you – there is “all of you” in everything you do. When you take the time to discover your unique abilities – your talents, strengths and passions – and use them in every part of your life – you feel like you fit. You create your personal impact. You feel connected. You are happier. Living a life that fits you is the greatest source of personal happiness.
Notice that each of these ideas is about being intentional – about showing up to live on purpose, or as Jon Kabat-Zinn says, “to live each day as if your life really mattered.” Life is mostly about choices – so how do you choose to be happy each day?
Good news should always be shared and learning how to wake up happy is good news. Please share this with someone who can benefit from it. And contact me to learn more about Greatness Coaching – a form of coaching that helps you know yourself so you can find your best fit – in work and life. More information at www.TheGreatnessZone.com.
