My Grandma's Place


21 tips for creating
your best day ever!



Yes, even if you have kids!





How you can improve your whole day with these
simple techniques.





03-01-2022



(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)



A perfect day for me would be a day that goes the way I plan.
- Mikaela Shiffrin



'Can you believe it? It's morning! already! I don't care if it's a beautiful day- I just want to stay in bed and sleep.'





I admit it. There are some days when I can barely drag myself out of bed, especially if I've had a late night.


But you know.. whether you're a morning person or not, there are simple techniques that you can use to help your day start well.


More than that.. you'll discover that your whole day is lighter and brighter.


Look, I know what you're thinking: you don't have time. And what happens if your kids have already bounded into bed with you and tried to pry open your eyes?.. been there, done that!


You're probably thinking, how can I do anything extra with the sort of mornings I have, especially with kids?

​

Well, include the kids in some of these activities. They'll enjoy it, too.


And you don't have to include every tip. Some of these simple activities will encourage a more positive outlook. You'll feel more cheerful right from the start. Some ideas will promote good health, so they're worth doing, too. Some will help with your productivity. It won't take long.


Remember, your first actions set the tone for all the hours ahead of you. Welcome more happiness, health, and productivity into your day with these simple habits.


Here's how......



Morning Habits that Promote a Positive Outlook





1. Pause for prayer & meditation. ​Take a moment to pray even before your feet hit the floor. Take time to learn, recite and focus on a Bible verse or meaningful quote. Read a Bible verse or passage and use this as a starting point for your prayer and praise. If you feel a little uncertain to begin with, you can use others' prayers until you feel more comfortable using your own words.


2. Breathe deeply. ​Abdominal breathing encourages relaxation and peace. Inhale through your nose, and exhale fully. Try starting the day with 10 deep breaths.


Experts tell us that breathing deeply improves your health and helps you handle stress more effectively. You can do this anytime through the day but you can begin your morning breathing deeply before you even get up. (If your kids have joined you in bed, they will enjoy breathing deeply, too, and it's a good habit for them to learn.


Ask them to 'take deep breaths like they've been running a long distance,' or 'Breathe like daddy does when he's asleep.'


3. Bask in sunlight. ​Exposure to light stimulates our brains. Open a window or head outside. You don't need to linger outside for too long, especially if you're rushing.


Just a couple of minutes will improve your outlook and provide other benefits. Adding a bit of light exposure to sunshine first thing in the morning can even help you sleep better at night- think, serotonin, cortisol and melatonin.



4. List your blessings. ​

Express thanks for the best things in your life. Include your loved ones, talents, and experiences. Taking time to think of those blessings will brighten your whole day. Writing down those thoughts in a daily journal (digital or notebook) is a great way to remember them.


5. Give yourself something to look forward to. ​

Lift your spirits by thinking about something you're going to enjoy later. You might like to just meet someone for coffee, go for a walk along the beach, head to the library or give yourself a manicure. Whatever you choose, make sure it's enjoyable - something to boost your morale, a real treat.


6. Listen to upbeat music. ​

Put together a cheerful soundtrack. It could be classical, country, hip hop, or any other kind of music you like. The benefits of listening to music have been well-researched. Quite apart from the enjoyment of listening to your favourite tracks on Spotify, music has been found to reduce depression and elevate your mood. It also helps you relax, strengthens any learning you're engaged in, reduces pain and more.


7. Smile.

Studies show that people tend to smile less as they age. Adults smile around 20 times per day, children more than 400 times daily. Reverse the trend by beaming at yourself in the mirror. And.. there are benefits to smiling. Sure, it makes others feel better but it helps you, too. Smiling self-medicates and heals.


8. Give to others. ​

Serving others is the most reliable path to happiness. Pray for someone in need or plan a good deed you can do today.






Morning Habits to Promote Good Health



9. Move around.

​Fight stiffness with a few minutes of aerobics and gentle stretching. Try sun salutations or walking in place. Taking a brisk walk outdoors is a great option especially if you can walk with a friend. Or, there are simple exercises that you can complete at home that will make you feel great all day. Or.. you can download an exercise app that can help you exercise.


10. Drink water.

Rehydrate before your morning cup of coffee. Keep some drinking water on your nightstand. I like to start the day with a glass of water with lemon juice. If you're not particularly excited about the taste of water (and I feel a bit the same) you might like to consider infused water- add some fruit to a jug of water and taste the difference. (Grab 10 free recipes)


11. Perform a self exam. ​

Showering is an ideal opportunity for self exams for skin and breast cancer. This may save your life. Don't know how? That's ok... Learn how with these simple steps.


12. Design a spa experience. ​

Pamper yourself with luxury bath products. Splash on an invigorating grapefruit scented bath gel, or treat the dry skin on your heels and elbows with a special lotion. You don't have to spend a lot of money on bath products, either.


Make your own using simple household ingredients. And everyone is excited about the benefits of coconut oil. Actually, sunflower oil is pretty good, too. I like to rub some into my feet and legs first thing in the morning.


13. Massage your scalp. ​

Rub your scalp while you shampoo. Massages defuse stress and increase blood flow.


14. Spread your toes. ​

Your feet are probably going to spend most of the day trapped inside shoes. While you're still barefoot, wiggle your toes. It will increase your balance and help your posture. So.. you think this isn't a big deal? Well, actually, it is... there's even a Wriggle your Toes Day- August 6.



Morning Habits to Promote Productivity





15. Strategise like a boss. ​

Plan your itinerary. You'll tackle your tasks more efficiently and free up more time to devote to your priorities. It's even easier if you do this the night before.Use a planner to help keep track of all your appointments and tasks for the day.


16. Check the news.

Stay in touch with what's going on in the world. Watch the news, listen to the radio, or buy a newspaper. Then, you'll have something more than just the weather to talk about at the office.


17. Read something enriching. ​

Pick up a book of inspirational quotes or brush up on world history. Learn something new every day. Why not start by check out some of the book reviews here.


18. Complete one task. ​

Score an easy victory that will create momentum. Clean the outside of your refrigerator door or pay your credit card bill.


19. Review your calendar. ​

Similarly, scan your appointments. Once you see how much free time you have, you can decide how to use it. You'll be able to focus on projects that you can realistically manage.


20. Check messages. ​

Look over emails, calls, and texts. You'll feel reassured knowing what you have to deal with. Take care of any urgent business.


21. Skip the snooze button. ​

Streamline your morning by waking up only one time. You'll feel more alert and less rushed. If you often have trouble getting up, go to bed an hour earlier. Put the minutes before breakfast to good use.


Develop these habits to brighten your days and help you start each day well. And... check out the 5 Steps to a positive morning routine for kids from BigLifeJournal.



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Disclosure: My Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.



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