It is said that a morning makes or breaks the day, perhaps a bit simplistic, but is there any truth to this? Yes, and it is of the utmost importance because the morning sets the tone for most of your day. If you start the morning in a hurried condition, in a cloud of agitation and stress, as a rule, it’s hard to maintain composure and a sense of serenity of mind throughout the day. It becomes clear that the morning is a valuable period that should be used consciously.

It is true to say that habits determine our routine, which, in the long run, determines absolutely everything. A properly coordinated morning routine will, without fail, bring very concrete benefits, create presence of mind, and go on to build up forcefulness of character, energy, and direction.

START ON A POSITIVE NOTE

Starting your day on a positive note is perhaps one of the most important forms of self-care one can imbibe, and creating a positive start to the day is something you need to arrange the night before. If you plan to get up at six, make sure you are in bed and close to sleep at the time you’ve arranged. If you want to listen to ten minutes of soft music before you hit the gym to start your day, prepare the music and organise your music player so that all you have to do is press “play” when it’s time to begin. The objective here is to greet the day with peace and positivity, and this is only possible if we take care of the details the night before, before the pressure of the new day has a chance to get between us and our plans.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

In this era of constant connectivity and interruption, mindfulness can go a long way. Mindfulness is being present or making a conscious effort to be in the moment. It also involves focused thinking and the practice of awareness. The fact is, there is so much to be aware of when the day starts. In the mornings, we should be aware of the need to be grateful, aware of the possibilities that the day holds, and aware of the good that one can do. Meditation is also a wonderful morning ritual to practice. It quiets us, bathes us in an overarching calm, and generates unity and contentment within. It resets an often-noisy world of sensations back to quiet. Affirmations and a prayer of gratitude also make a whole difference in our day.

AFFIRMATION AND POSITIVE SELF TALK

To get your day started positively, make affirmations a part of your morning rituals. Start off by saying a few basic ones, and as time goes by, your list of affirmations will grow, and this will increase your personal development. Writing your affirmations on sticky notes and placing them in different spots around your living space also serves as visual cues that can make your affirmations stay present in your mind, making it easier to stay on track and focused. The more you use them, the more easily you can bring your thoughts into line with the words you tell yourself. Self-confidence and belief in yourself help pave the way for a great day. Affirmations allow you to manifest the change you want to bring about in your life, which in turn facilitates change.

HYDRATION AND HEALTHY BREAKFAST

In the morning, prioritise having breakfast no longer than two hours after you wake up. It is important to replace the energy you’ve lost fasting overnight, as well as to stabilise your blood pressure and kick-start your metabolism for the day. You don’t need to eat a heavy meal for breakfast; a bowl of oatmeal or pap, scrambled eggs, some fruits, or a sandwich should do, and if you’re really busy or you can’t decide what to have for breakfast, a glass of water and a banana with nuts will go a long way. Drinking a glass of water when you wake up also helps you get started for the day.