Rise and Shine, 5 ways to boost your morning mood and kickstart your day

Living Well

Thu 20 June 2024

Starting your day on a positive note can significantly impact your mood and productivity. By incorporating simple yet effective practices into your morning routine, you can set the tone for a great day ahead while investing in your long-term wellbeing and mental balance. In this article, we’ll explore 5 simple but effective techniques to boost your morning mood and get you going on the right foot.

Before we talk about a few ways in which you can boost your morning mood, let’s take a moment to clarify that this does not mean that you need to compromise on your precious sleep. Getting 6 – 8 hours of sleep is intrinsic to our general wellbeing. We recommend getting to bed at a time that will allow you to set aside as little as 10minutes in the morning to focus on yourself. A small practice that can make a world of a difference in the long run.

1. Device-Free Time:

Create a device-free time in your morning routine to reduce distractions and promote mindfulness. We suggest a mere 10 – 15minutes after you wake up in the morning, to grant yourself permission to stay away from your smartphone or device of choice, so as to connect with yourself before you connect with the outside world. Use this time to make your coffee in silence, or engage in simple activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. By limiting screen time in the morning, you can enhance focus, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of presence and awareness.

2. Positive Affirmations:

Start your day with words of encouragement and positivity by practicing affirmations. Very often we are judgemental of ourselves and will casually say things to ourselves that we would never dream of saying to another person. Be aware of the way you address yourself especially in the mornings. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and reflect the mindset you want to cultivate. Repeat them to yourself either silently or out loud as you go about your morning routine. Change any negative statements to positive ones. These positive affirmations can help shift your mindset, boost self-confidence, and set a stable and grounded tone for the day ahead.

3. Breathe:

The way you breathe can greatly influence your mood and overall well-being. Take a few moments each morning to practice deep breathing exercises. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Try 3 – 5 rounds of focusing on filling your lungs with air and exhaling fully.

Or try The Relaxing Breath or 4-7-8 breath, created by Dr.Andrew Weil: Empty the lungs of air. Then breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, exhale out of the mouth for 8 seconds, and repeat at least 4 times.

Although best practiced in the morning, this simple practice can be done anywhere and at any time of day. It can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase feelings of relaxation and clarity.

4. Hydrate:

Start your day off right by hydrating your body with a glass of water. The human body is nearly 75% water. After a night of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated, so replenishing fluids is essential for optimal functioning. Drinking water in the morning can help detox your body, kickstart your metabolism, improve cognitive function, and increase feelings of alertness and vitality. Make it a habit to drink water first thing in the morning to support your overall health and well-being.

5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast:

Eating a healthy breakfast provides essential nutrients that fuel your body and brain, setting an energetic and positive tone for the day ahead. A nutritious morning meal stabilizes blood sugar levels, helping to prevent energy crashes and mood swings so you can keep those “hangrys” (hungry+angry), at bay. Symbeeosis has a wide range of Organic Functional Honeys, Organic Functional Marmalades and Organic Teas to help you start your day right. Starting your day with wholesome foods promotes a sense of well-being, supports mental clarity and boosts your morning mood and productivity.

Be kind to yourself when you begin to include these practices into your daily morning routine. Start small and try not to over commit. It is best to start with one or two and then add more or adjust according to your preference and time-constraints. Let this time be a space of non-judgement for you.

Some other practices you could add to your morning routine could be stretching, practicing gratitude by keeping a journal of all the things you are grateful for, meditation, sitting in brief silence in a space with natural light, or doing a little bit of gardening – even if it means a few minutes to water your plants mindfully.

Incorporating these simple practices into your morning routine can help boost your mood, increase productivity, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. By taking time to connect with yourself, you can start each day feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.