Start Your Day How You Want to Finish It--Good!

 How many times have you heard "Today is the first day of the rest of your life?" Too many to count right? As cliche as the phrase may be, it holds some truth. Each day is the opportunity to make change. Change begins with the little steps you take day by day. Rather than being overwhelmed at the prospect of getting things done, focus on the present moment and embrace it fully. When you first wake up, decide what it is you want to do at that exact moment. Choose a task that's different, but don't spend too much time thinking about it. The first thing you do shouldn't be something you feel like you have to do--it should be something you want to do. That means not checking emails or your phone, switching on the television, or thinking about the laundry list of things you have to do for the day. Pick something simple, yet productive. You have a whole 24 hours to do the rest of that stuff so no need to rush into it. Once you pick a task, do it and invest your mind completely into it. Afterwards, you can focus on doing something else. As the day goes by, you'll begin to notice how much you've achieved in the short span of a day. Just be sure the actions you engage in throughout the day are positive and productive.  

Top Ten Things You Can Do to Start a Productive Day 

Shower and Get Dressed 
This one may seem obvious, but it's all in how you look at things. A hot shower can be very refreshing. While the water hits your skin, enjoy the feeling it creates. Think about good things as you clean. Take your time and admire every part of yourself.

Clean Up 
Cleanliness is next to godliness. Cleaning up, while it may seem like a chore, is a great way to start a productive day. Clutter and disorganization are bothersome. Before you dive into the day, make your bed, clean your tables, sweep and create order in your space.

Pray/Meditate 
This is your opportunity to clear your mind of negative thoughts. You're probably saying "I just woke up. I don't have any negative thoughts." Believe it or not, you probably do. Consciously acknowledge any pressure you're feeling because of worry or anxiety and replace those thoughts with positive affirmations about the upcoming day. Take deep breaths and become one with the current moment. When you're finished, you'll feel more at peace.

Read Something Inspirational
You can never go wrong starting your day with inspiration. Morning newscasts can be depressing because of all the drama going on in the world at any given point. Also, you don't want to start your day with media conditioning. Feed your mind with positive information when you wake up.

Write 
Like praying and meditating, writing is an opportunity for a mental dump. In the morning, the goal is to provide yourself with a clean slate and aim for productive tasks. Writing and being creative is a wonderful way to release. It doesn't matter what or how much you write, just do it.

Tell someone good morning 
So many people wake up angry. A simple good morning may be enough to put them back in a good mood. It's also a selfless, generous thing to do.

Look in the Mirror and Smile 
Be happy for the opportunity to be you yet another day. Look in the mirror and smile. Take note of the image and allow it to permeate your brain. Remind yourself you're unique and beautiful.

Stretch 
In the morning, your body isn't loose. You're typically feeling tight and crumpled. Stretching can be a great means of stress reduction. Feeling limber and light will help get you off to an active start for the day.

Go Outside
Nature is the most beautiful alarm you can hope for. Stepping outside in the morning can be an inspiring, peaceful experience. Experience nature. Hear the birds singing, feel the calm of a morning breeze, admire the trees swaying to and fro while the squirrels hop along the branches. Nature has a tendency of putting everything in perspective.

Exercise 
What's better than getting the blood rushing a bit? A short walk or run will prepare your body for the day's activity and you burn calories while you're at it. Exercising releases serotonin which elevates dopamine, a pleasure chemical into your brain.