How to Start the Day Off Right

Getting a positive start to the day is more important than you think. While it's true that things can change at any moment, a ritual of nurturing activities in the morning can help us weather minor annoyances and surprises later. There's no magic formula for starting the day off right but these steps can boost your mood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get enough sleep the night before. You can't start your day off right when you're groggy. Decide how many hours you absolutely need to feel refreshed and turn off the TV, no matter what, when the clock strikes that hour.
2. Be aware of your weaknesses. Figure out what gets you down during the day and write affirmations to combat these feelings. Before you get out of bed repeat in your head several times, "I can handle whatever comes my way today."
3. Learn to meditate. On the Learning Meditation website, you'll find audio and text files that visually lead you through a relaxed state. Download them to your MP3 player and spend 10 minutes each morning in another world.
4. Eat a good breakfast. It doesn't take a long time to pour some high fiber cereal in a bowl of milk and drink a cup of orange juice. An egg, toast and chopped tomatoes or cucumbers is even better.
5. Take your vitamins in the morning after breakfast. Put them beside your toothbrush or your briefcase so you remember. Those vitamins and minerals will help you be more efficient and emotionally stable throughout the day.
6. Do your exercise in the morning, if possible. When you can't go to the gym before work, opt for a short, brisk walk around the block or stretching exercises. Just 15 minutes raises your energy level for the rest of the day.
7. Make out your daily schedule first thing when you get to the office. Start the day off right by examining your obligations, prioritizing your tasks and settling down to work.