As soon as we start the day by opening our phone or turning on the television, we open the door to the outer world and that will be the tone that sets the tone for the entire day.
Think about it. Think carefully.
I didn’t have to for very long and it clicked. That one ‘shitty’ email from someone. A social media post that didn’t sit well with you. Or even some news on the tele you didn’t need to come across just yet. Your focus is broken, your mood is changed and yes, your day will be different for it.
One thing you will get from many of the good entrepreneur podcasts and business books is the advice that you and you alone really do have the power to set the tone for your day and however cheese and Tony Robbins-esque it may sound, it’s actually very true.
With this in mind and the fact we can set the tone for how we start the day, and make as many of our days bloody brilliant as we can, here are 10 ways you can start the day off well:
1.Read one chapter of a book – A personal favourite of mine, mainly as I don’t get the chance to read much anymore. I started a month with the plan to read a book chapter every day. I grabbed a cup of tea, wrapped myself up in a blanket on the sofa and read the entire chapter uninterrupted each morning. Not only did I magic myself to another world and reality every day, but I got through more books in a month than I had in a previous year which was a great feeling.
2. Walk and get your steps in – Another popular option with the entrepreneurial set is walking and getting the ideal 10,000 steps a day in. I can see why this works on so many levels, plus coupled with a podcast of your choice you double whammy things that are good for you.
3. Pamper yourself – Not sure about you, but I can’t think of a time I ever indulged in some beauty treatments first thing in the day. Throw on a face mask, pop on feet moisturising booties or even paint your own nails for a change. You will feel lots better for anything you do for you.
4. Listen to music – How often do we play music these days? I know I hardly ever do which makes me sad. I’ve got into a habit of giving myself 30 minutes to play the latest top tunes list on iTunes or a new album and just lying in bed listening to the lyrics or working out if I do actually like the latest so called music.
5. Socialize – Ok, bear with me here and this may sound totally radical for 6am, 7am or whatever time you rise. I’ve another 5am club early rising friend and we arrange a 6am call once a week. We start our days together, laughing and sharing our news and I can’t stop smiling for hours after. Likewise, you could walk together or do a fitness class together – just something with a person you like to start the day.
6. Write a Journal – Many of us have taken up journaling and free writing these days as a way to deal with the crazy world we live in. Journaling is powerful and it really works, so starting the day with an empty page and writing away can be a great way to begin. I often write down my crazy dreams which I’ll never remember otherwise and it’s all good food for thought.
7. Meditation – Nothing new as such, but the power of switching off and being in the moment can be really important as a ritual to start your day. I like to use apps such as Calm and I have a personal love for listening to rain music. Try it and tell me I’m not on to something. Namaste friends.
8. Consider a random act of kindness – What one random but lovely thing can you do for someone to start the day? I go through phases of this and I LOVE it. I may order flowers for someone just because, send a friend a really lovely WhatsApp with a memory or some carefully chosen words for them to wake up to which can help set their tone. Small things, help others start their day off well and you feel great too.
9. Do your daily Gratitude List – Not too different to a journal, but a great way of putting all into perspective and framing your thoughts is to write a daily gratitude list – be it 3, 5 or 10 things, remember all in your life you need to be thankful for. I always walk away feeling warm and fuzzy.
10. Lie on the floor and stretch – There is lots of research to show how good lying on the floor with your legs in the air is for you and it’s one of my favourite and most relaxing places to be.
It doesn’t need to be something huge. It doesn’t need to cost a dirham either. It just needs you to actively choose how your start your day to set the tone in the best possible way. If by some chance the rest of your day turns into total chaos, at least you will know there truly was something good in every day – and there is plenty of comfort in that.
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