Do you consider yourself a
morning person? Studies suggest morning
people tend to be happier and even healthier. But you don't have to be morning
person to develop simple habits that can help you have a more balanced and
productive day.
When I
was stuck in a corporate career and
diagnosed with clinical depression, I would dread waking up in the morning. It
meant going into a job I hated and suffering through another long day. I
realized my unhappiness was part of a choice that was manufactured by my
routine and daily habits.
So I
studied happy and healthy people and
learned what they did. As it turns out, a lot of our happiness can be traced to
our habits, which start from the moment we wake up.
Today
my life is much different from when I was that sad girl who relied on her
snooze button. I've developed key morning routines that shifted my entire day, transforming my life.
Waking
up can be difficult if you don't have something to look forward to. If you find
yourself feeling stuck in life, it could be as simple as shifting and switching
up some of your morning routines.
Here
are seven habits practiced by the healthiest and happiest people I know.
1. They
speak kindly to themselves
Instead
of waking up and thinking negative thoughts about how much they ate the night
before or how they failed to meet a goal, or how frustrated they are that they
aren't where they think they should be in life, they simply celebrate where
they are with kind and compassionate thoughts.
2. They
listen to their bodies
The
happiest and healthiest people I know don't have a strict morning routine, but
instead listen to their bodies and let them guide them. Some mornings their
bodies may say, "Today, it will feel good to work out early and drink
fresh green juice." While other mornings it may say, "Push snooze one
more time." Instead of feeling guilty for their choices or thinking their
morning has to look a certain way, they trust themselves and let their bodies'
needs lead them.
3. They
focus on what they want instead of what they don't want.
Happy
people focus on what they want by picturing it in their head and taking steps
to achieve it. Instead of wasting precious energy on what isn't working or what
they don't want, they commit to a better future by imagining what they want.
4. They
leave yesterday in the past.
Most
people wake up and start to run through a list of the mistakes, mishaps or
problems from the day before. This prevents you from fully moving forward into
a positive day. Instead, go to bed each night and say to yourself, "For
today, I did the best I could and it is enough. Tomorrow, I will do it
again." Then when you wake, you will feel more grounded and balanced to
start fresh again.
5. They
align with their purpose and higher power.
Connected
to a higher power daily. Whether it's a solid gratitude practice, prayer,
meditation, journal writing or focused intent, they connect by giving thanks
and aligning with love. Sometimes a higher power is a sense of community
orgroup of people with similar interests.
6. They
ask themselves key questions.
Starting
your day with focused intent will help you be more productive and feel
accomplished. Steve Jobs said, "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror
every morning and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I
want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been no for
too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." Being strategic
with your day will help you live a more fulfilled life.
7. They
do what they want to do, not what they have to do.
Healthy
and happy people know the most important thing is how they feel, so naturally
they don't do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, nor do they force
anything. If things aren't flowing, they go in a new direction. They allow
themselves to be who they are and trust the rhymes of their own life, free of
society's pressure and standards. True happiness can only come when we let
ourselves do what feels right for us. Trusting yourself is the best way to
reach lasting fulfillment.
To make your own list grab this FREE Love Life to The Fullest Guide.
Source: mindbodygreen.com | Photo Credit: Getty Images
