“Start the Day Right” is the first in a monthly column of mental health articles by Karen Munson. Read the next article, Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie, at the link.
We’ve made those New Year’s resolutions, but perhaps now the energy and enthusiasm are waning. Here’s a plan for a strong foundation that will rock the rest of the day, no matter what happens.
Establish a morning routine. Henry B. Eyring stated that to make the most significant changes in your life, you need to change those things you do most often, not the larger ones done infrequently. Small but consistent changes will bring about the most significant results. An incredibly effective way to start the day right is to have an established morning routine.
- Make your bed. As soon as you get out of bed, make it, meaning straighten up the sheets, blankets, and pillows. This two-minute habit has long-lasting ripple effects. You have accomplished something early on that builds momentum. You are less tempted to crawl back into bed. After doing this one task, you will be more motivated to do another task and another. By the end of the day, that one task will turn into many completed tasks. Doing the little things right will lead to doing big things right. The neatness is visually refreshing throughout the day. The discipline enhances your self-esteem, which creates another ripple effect of showing up more positively and doing your best in other areas. Even if it becomes a difficult day, you will be able to end it in a bed that you neatly made. For more benefits, check out Navy Seal Admiral William McRaven: If You Want to Change the World, Make Your Bed on YouTube. This powerful speech contains tons of great ideas to rock your life.
- Stand in a power pose, preferably in front of the mirror. Power poses invigorate the mind and body. When you see yourself in the mirror standing with feet apart, hands on hips, with your chest thrust out and head held high, it changes you. No slouching or slumping is allowed here. A variation is to hold your arms high above your head. Do some stretches; reach for the sky physically and emotionally. One of the 2023 candidates for Miss Utah instructed the audience on how to improve their day — she demonstrated a power pose she used before going on stage at each competition. Your posture signals your brain, which alters your mood. Feel your confidence grow. While powering up, smile at yourself in the mirror. You have a friend in there. Before you walk away, give that friend a high five. Becoming friends with yourself is essential; together, you can do this.
- Speak “I am … ” statements. These simple statements can immediately change your mood and mindset. “I am in control. I am peaceful. I am on schedule with my life. I am strong. I am ready to face the next obstacle. I am rested and refreshed. Etc.” Reflect or research online to customize your personal list of personal affirmations to rock your new year.
Customize your morning routine to incorporate your priorities. You may want to spend time with fitness or a personal devotional to start the day right. Dovetail your new routine with your hygiene and personal preferences. You can do the power pose while putting on makeup and speak “I am … ” statements while getting dressed. It doesn’t have to take much more time, but those little adjustments in your morning routine can make a big difference, especially when accumulated over time.
Action Step: Write down your morning routine and post it in a conspicuous place for a constant reminder of how you are going to rock each morning of 2024.
– by Karen Munson
Feature image caption: Looking in the mirror and doing personal affirmations or standing in a power pose can be an incredibly effective way to start the day right. Courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels.
Karen M. Munson – Escalante
Karen is an associate editor at The Byway. She is fascinated and fulfilled by all things involved with writing. After graduating from BYU, she taught English at Escalante High School for three years. She pursues opportunities to write and support others in their writing. Karen has published three books with four more scheduled to be released in 2024. She and Reed are the parents of ten children and the grandparents of 35 grandchildren.
Karen is the author of two columns in The Byway, A New Twist on Healthy Mental Habits and Lyle’s Corner.