Mornings set the tone for our day. It's concerning to see most adults starting their day by scrolling on their phones, which might not be the healthiest way. If you've experienced anxiety or felt overwhelmed, it's essential to take control of your morning and set yourself up for success. We often talk about self-love and self-care in mental health, and the way you begin your day plays a crucial role in this. Every good morning you give yourself contributes to a clearer mind and well-being, which in turn leads to a life full of positivity.

Many people rush their mornings or repeatedly hit the snooze button. However, I aim to help you embrace the morning with optimism, helping you establish a routine that energizes your day rather than drains it. A slight change in your morning habits can drastically improve your mood. It's more than just a concept; it genuinely changes your day for the better. Begin by setting positive intentions every morning. The simplest gesture you can make is to smile. Smiling for even 20 seconds has numerous health benefits and can set a positive tone for your day.

After your morning smile, recite a positive affirmation or mantra. These affirmations act as your emotional guide for the day. Ensure your mantras are present-tense, positive, and refreshing. Change them up now and then to keep them engaging. Write down these affirmations, and try saying them out loud for better results.

In conclusion, practicing positive emotions like happiness and calmness can become a habit if done consistently. Instead of letting external pressures dictate our mood, we should guide our emotions in the desired direction. By simply adding these steps to the start of your day, you're setting yourself up for a positive and productive day.

For the second lesson of our morning routine, let's dive into something we often overlook regarding our mental health: hydration. After you've smiled and set your intentions from lesson one, and before you head for that cup of coffee, remember the importance of water. It’s fundamental to our wellbeing. After a night's sleep, our bodies are yearning for hydration. Not drinking water first thing could impact your mood and brain function more than you realize. If you're waking up feeling groggy or irritable, dehydration might be the cause. Start your day by hydrating, and with time, your body will naturally crave it.

Now, onto breakfast. It's a hot topic with strong opinions on both sides. I personally love breakfast and have been a dedicated breakfast eater for over a decade, starting my day with protein. My husband, on the other hand, waits until lunch. It's essential to find what works for you. Experiment for a week—eat breakfast some days and skip it on others. Document how you feel. Your body's signals might surprise you.

If breakfast is already part of your routine, avoid sugar in the morning. Sugary foods, including processed carbs like muffins and pancakes, can cause a roller coaster of energy highs and lows. These fluctuations can mimic mental health symptoms. If you’re choosing to eat in the morning, opt for protein to stay grounded and energized.

In summary, for the second step of your morning routine, hydrate with 8-16 ounces of water before any caffeine. If that seems too much, start small and gradually increase your intake. And if you’re eating breakfast, prioritize protein and avoid sugars and processed carbs. Remember, the power to shape your morning is in your hands. Own it.

Lesson three delves into morning connections. Amidst our digital age filled with notifications and emojis, we often overlook genuine connection. Despite being digitally connected, many of us feel detached from our surroundings and ourselves. Our mornings offer a golden opportunity to change that.

For this lesson, here are some suggestions:

• Avoid Social Media: Start your day without the barrage of social media. It distracts us from the present moment and often overwhelms us with negative news or unrealistic comparisons.

• Connect with your Environment: Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, connect with your surroundings. Be it nature, pets, or family, find solace in these connections. Whether you're in the city or countryside, nature is always accessible. Embrace the little moments, the fresh air, the morning sun, or even the wind.

• Appreciate Plants: Both outdoors and indoors, plants are therapeutic. They aren't just decorative items but are proven to calm anxiety, regulate blood pressure, and bring peace. So, next time you water your plants, acknowledge their soothing presence.

• Pets are Therapeutic: Our pets, whether they are furry, feathery, or otherwise, offer unconditional love. Their mere presence releases feel-good hormones in our brains, making them nature's stress-relievers. Take a moment to appreciate them; it benefits both you and them.

• Human Connection is Vital: While pets and nature offer comfort, human connections are essential for our mental health. It's not just about the people currently in our lives but also about those who once were. Look into the eyes of a family member or even yourself in the mirror. Remember and cherish the memories of loved ones, whether they are with us or not. A simple acknowledgment or a 'thank you' can make a world of difference.

Integrating these genuine connections into our morning routines sets a positive tone for the day. Social media can never replace the authenticity of real-life interactions.

Thank you for joining this lesson. Be sure to download the accompanying PDF at emotionalbadass.com/morning and share your morning transformation with us. Remember, every morning offers a fresh start. Own it.

Upcoming Events

Recent Episodes:

Upcoming Events