January is all about bringing some semblance of routine and calm back into our lives. Digging out from the “extra” of the past 6 weeks of holidays: extra gifts around the house, extra weight on our body, extra people around, etc…The quicker you can get back into a routine, the calmer you will feel and the smoother your life will run. I encourage you to look at how you start your days. Setting yourself and your day up for success is about as proactive as you can get. As a mom of three and an entrepreneur, there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that great mornings don’t “just happen”. [tweetshareinline tweet=”If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me” username=”SusieBarolo”] I need to be intentional. and take deliberate action. Getting three kids and myself out of the house without starting a fire, breaking into tears or yelling does not “just happen”. In fact, great mornings start before I even see my kids. Here are 4 things I do every morning that set me up for success.
1) SMILE AT THE CEILING:
Huh? Yep. The minute your alarm goes off or your eyes open, put a smile on your face. Sound dumb? It’s far from it. The first thing our brain does in the morning is look for not only what is wrong in our life right now, but also what it can beat us up for the day before. It is masterful at searching for things that we can worry about. When wake up and smile first thing, we confuse our brain enough so that it doesn’t go into that automatic neurologic programming. Try it tomorrow and see.
2) GET UP:
The longer you lie in bed thinking about what you’re going to do (make breakfast, go for a run, etc..) the less likely it is that you’ll do it. Use Mel Robbins 5 Second Rule and blast your butt out of bed. Go do what you said you were going to do.
3) DRINK WATER:
Put a glass of water near your bed so you can drink at least 6 oz of water right away. It hydrates you, fires up metabolism, helps your body flush out toxins, and gives your brain the fuel it needs to begin your day with power. Consider it a gift to your body.
4) FEED YOUR BRAIN:
Our brain focuses on the negative aspects of our life with the intent to keep us safe. This is called the negativity bias. While its’ intent is to keep us safe, it’s 2018 and we no longer need to focus on the negative to keep us safe from lions and bears. It is up to us to guide and direct our brain throughout the day. First thing each morning, I pour messaging in my brain that will uplift me and set me up for a successful day. I do not let my brain revert to cavewomen programming. Instead, I listen to some sort of podcast or meditation each morning. Many mornings I run before the kids are awake and listen to podcasts on my run. If I am not running, I put on this 9 minute blast of power while brushing my teeth and getting dressed. It serves to direct my brain to think positive, empowering thoughts. Consider this a gift for your brain.
Do you have a morning routine? What is it? If not, make this your month to start one. Start small. Add one of the things above each week. The more deliberately we live, the calmer our days feel and the more powerfully we show up in this world. It’s time to put on your big girl panties and choose to thrive in your days, not merely survive. Come on mama, time management is all about freedom and peace. What will your morning tomorrow look like?
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