For some time now I decided that when I wake up in bed I wanted to take a deep breath to ground myself once I awoke. This immediately starts my day off in a mindful state that brings me into the present moment. This has been huge for me.
Recently, I found another tip to add to my morning breath that has produced incredible results. While traveling in northern Thailand and participating in a one-week-long mediation practice, my gracious instructor, Lydia, suggested starting the day while still in bed with something to be grateful for. I do this now and also try to use my grateful thought as a mantra for the day. There are so many things to be grateful for and when I acknowledge them regardless of the time of day it puts me in a great mood, but when I do that in the morning it not only does the same thing but it also sets a happy tone for the day that carries over into the afternoon and beyond.
We all know that at any given time in the day we can be faced with challenges that can compromise our mood. For myself, my "monkey mind" can get going and thinking of things in the past or the future and just try to ramble on. Being aware of when this is happening and taking a breath or revisiting my daily mantra helps get me back on track.
Yesterday I decided that I am grateful for the emotion that we call love. Today I am grateful once again for all of my friends and family. So thank you all for being a friend (even if I haven't met you yet).
One top of what I just discussed, I have added a couple more ideas that may help you stay positive on a daily basis:
1. While still laying down once you wake up in the morning, take a nice deep breath to ground yourself in the present moment. You're alive and have another day to live on the gorgeous planet. Rejoice.
2. Choose something for the day that you are grateful for. There are countless reasons to be grateful everyday. Choose one of them.
3. Do a very short workout right after you get out of bed. Usually I will do some push-ups and sit-ups right almost immediately when I get out of bed. Even a couple of each will you get moving and feeling great. After doing this for not even a month, I saw tremendous physical results, improved posture and simply felt great. Find out what works for you.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast. Or at least a semi-healthy breakfast. Adding some herbs, vegetable or fruit to whatever you normally eat can make you feel better immediately and can be the start of the new healthy-eating you.
5. Be aware. Now that you are doing a list of great things to keep you in a great mood throughout your day you should be feeling good. That being said, distractions will arise daily. When this happens, come back to your breath and acknowledge what it is that you are so grateful for and you can find that positive attitude once again.
