by Tamela Duncan | Featured Contributor
Most people will tell you they don’t like mornings. Humans report feeling tired, hurried, anxious and negative, the very moment they roll out of bed. That negative energy that you emit first thing stays with you and impacts those around you. It’s okay that it takes a little time to get going, but like it or not – we all have to do mornings. Albeit, it takes some a bit longer to wake than others, but research has found that mental attitude is the real culprit of mornings. So, instead of focusing on the aggravation you feel simply from having to start your day; here are a few tips to make that start more pleasant.
- Rise thirty minutes before you need to get going
– Give yourself extra time in the morning so you are not anxious and feeling rushed
– Feeling hurried is the #1 reason people are irritable and don’t enjoy mornings
- Drink a full glass of water
– Your body has been dehydrating thru the night and needs replenishing
- Listen to Music
– Instead of putting on the television, or checking those emails let your body feel the music
– Music reduces stress and anxiety
– Music creates a positive sensation inside the body
- Move your body just a little bit
– Dance, stretch, take a walk or just jump up and down
– 10 minutes of body movement increases energy, gets your lymph nodes working, and improves mental clarity
- Meditate
– Take a few moments for silence, relaxed breathing, prayer, or gentle contemplation
- Start your day with Gratitude
– Write down 3 things for which you are grateful (or at least say them to yourself)
– Having gratitude releases positive chemicals in the brain and body
- Smile: at yourself and the world
– The simple act of smiling releases feel-good chemicals
– It improves mood, reduces stress, and even boosts productivity
Mornings have a different feel than the rest of the day. They are calmer, more quiet and gentle. It is an opportunity to start with good energy that can help carry you through as the day speeds up and the demands increase. Give yourself the gift of starting your day with a positive mental attitude and a little self-care. (And…there’s always coffee)
“My greatest passion is attempting to live life to the fullest, not taking it for granted and doing my best to support the beauty and growth of another. I’m a terrible sleeper because my mind is moved by things I have to write about or spiritually figure out. (Thank goodness for coffee.) My motto is to laugh, play and love as deeply as possible. When something in life is hard, I think of myself as a Jedi attempting to transcend the fear before me – because fear is the thief of opportunity. Life is a gift; we get to choose how we live it”.
Tamela Duncan, LSCW has been in practice for over 28 years as a licensed, clinical therapist; she’s certified in Regression therapy, teaches meditation and mindfulness. She has extensive training in spirituality, life coaching, relationship counseling, and mood disorders. Tamela has a thriving private practice working with individuals, couples, and families.
For over a decade, Tamela taught at UNCG’s Call Program. She provides lectures and talks to the community and continues to conduct workshops and classes open to the public. She has recently completed a book titled, “Genuinely Happy: A Conscious Choice.” She is also a talented musician, writer, and blogger.
