Note: This article is from blogger and writer Rita Thompson, who shares mindfulness techniques to start your morning.
However, practicing mindfulness in the morning is an easy way to change your day before it starts.
Mindfulness is the concept of being in the moment while staying aware of your thoughts and emotions. The practice of mindfulness can provide a wide variety of benefits. ranging from reducing stress to improving sleep and overall wellness. By turning our thoughts into positive thoughts in the morning, this will reflect positively on the rest of the day.
Morning mindfulness exercises
There are many different techniques that one can use to start a more conscious and fulfilled lifestyle. Try some of the following exercises to see what works best for you:
1. Keep a diary notebook
Journaling is my personal favorite way to start the morning. This is because it allows me time to let my thoughts flow. By releasing our thoughts and writing them down on paper, we can reflect on them and ultimately change our view of negativity.
I take time every morning to write down five positive things in my life, or five things I am grateful for. I also always write down one thing I have today that I didn't have last week, plus one little thing that made me smile.
Practicing gratitude allows me to remember and reflect on all I already have in life, and it makes room for positivity the next day.
2. Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are a great way to re-energize yourself before starting the day. Personally, I like to do breathing exercises first thing in the morning before I get out of bed.
One of my favorite techniques while lying in bed is a technique called belly breathing. First, sit or lie comfortably in your bed. Place one hand on the center of your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a deep breath in through your nose, concentrate on the feeling of your belly pushing towards your hand, then exhale through your mouth as if it were whistling, and notice the feeling of air coming out of your belly as your hand moves with your belly downward. Repeat this exercise up to eight times or until you are completely focused on your breathing.
3. Affirmations
Similar to thanks and praise, affirmations are positive words or phrases that are used to lift someone's spirits and put them in a more positive mindset. It's a great choice for adding mindfulness and positivity to your morning program, especially because of how easy it is to read. In this article, I will provide a list of some positive affirmations to add to your morning program. Choose one and say it out loud, or write it down in a notepad for further reflection.
- I feel strong and healthy today.
- I can overcome any challenges that face me today.
- I am happy and satisfied with my life.
- I am happy every day and I give joy to others.
- Today will be a great day.
4. Exercise
Exercising in the morning is a great way to start the day on a more positive note. It also reduces stress and improves overall mental health. That's because it trains our minds and bodies to stay alert in the present moment. By doing exercises such as running, walking or stretching, we are able to strengthen our physical muscles and our attention span.
For me, I do yoga in the morning, which I prefer over high-intensity exercises like running. This is because it allows me to focus on a specific goal or feeling, plus yoga is good for flexibility, heart health, and even depression.
If you can do your morning exercise in nature, that's great. This allows you to feel connected to the beauty of the earth and focus on something bigger than you.
These were four good exercises to start your morning with a more positive outlook and expectations. Always remember that no one exercise fits all. So try a workout every morning, then choose what works best for you.
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