7 Tips for Starting Your Morning Off Right

Take in Nature

As you’re going to work, pause to marvel at the miracle of your surroundings.

According to authors Jeffrey Brantley, MD, and Wendy Millstine, NC in their book Five Good Minutes: 100 Morning Practices to Help You Stay Calm & Focused All Day Long:

“When you take this time to open your senses to the pleasures of what is just outside your door, you open your mind and body to nature’s restorative power to soothe and heal you.” They suggest taking five minutes to “listen to the rustle of the wind through the trees” and to “smell the salty scent of the sea air.” Look at the ground, grass, trees, sun and anything else in your environment as though you’re seeing it for the very first time. What can you do in the morning to open your senses to nature?

Give Yourself Extra Time

No doubt for some of these activities, it helps to have extra time. This means having to wake up earlier than you normally do. But this doesn’t mean renovating your routine. Most people can adjust their nighttime schedule, and go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier. This way you’re still enjoying the same amount of sleep. What makes a great morning will vary with each person. For instance, you might want to sleep in instead of waking up earlier and penning Morning Pages. Or you might enjoy playing a few tunes on your guitar. In other words, these activities may or may not resonate with you. Either way, give yourself the opportunity to figure out what does. And give yourself permission to begin tomorrow.