This is how have a successful start to your day!

@cottonon

By: Mahrukh Sanai

It is still dark outside as the alarm bell rings in the morning and you get out of bed. You take a shower and a new day begins. All days are the same- mundane and dull. So, how do you change your day and incorporate some new habits? iA good morning routine sets up a great day ahead. So, let me share some tips that help you start the day refreshingly and positively.

1. Plan the day beforehand

While preparing for the next day, prepare a list of the to-do things on a piece of paper.

Note down all the tasks that need to be done and firstly complete those that are the most important. You can place the easier tasks at the bottom of the to-do list so that you do not procrastinate by completing them earlier than the important ones.

2. Prepare for the coming day

Preparing for the coming day in the night by doing all the important tasks. So, you need to

- Pack your bag

- Pack your lunch before going out.

- Iron your clothes and place the keys and wallet at a proper place where you can find them the other day easily.

- Have a notice on your bedside table

- Before you start the next day, place a reminder on the bedside table in the night. When you see something positive on the note, it will have a noble and affirmative influence on the whole day.

- You can write your favourite quote on a sticky note. It can be anything that uplifts and inspires you through the whole day.

Many of us use positive affirmations cards like the one you will find below which truly allow you to start your day on a positive note and with a clear mind. This one has more than 10,000 positive affirmations from health, to work, to self love!

Also, set a low bar for happiness. It means you should be grateful and happy for all the little and neglected things that are important in life but remain unnoticed. You need to be happy that you have a house and family which many people long for. Having a roof over your head and food in the mouth are little blessings that remain unnoticed.

4. Start your day with meditation

When starting the day, many of us are addicted to mobile phones and scroll through TikTok all day. It would be better if you gave up all the distractions and instead started the day with meditation.

Meditation quiets the mind and prevents distraction from unwanted and troublesome thoughts. Just sit in a cool and quiet room. Close your eyes and inhale deeply. Pay close attention to your breathing and how the breath moves inwards and outwards. If any thoughts come to your mind, do not pay attention to them. Focus your mind on breathing and relaxation. Do this for about 10 minutes and then open your eyes. You can use any meditation playlist from YouTube. Spread your yoga mat (truly recommend the one below, its super soft and comes in great colours) and start a yoga practice. You can play Yoga with Adriane to gain some guidance.

5. Get some good information over breakfast

Give a fresh start to the day with something that is not depressing or makes you feel weak to change your life. Watch funny or uplifting videos, listen to your Harry Styles, Lizzo, Queen Megan Thee Stallion or whatever you feel like, and have a dance party just you and yourself! Some of my favourite solo dance party songs are these....

Fine Line - Harry Styles

Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa

6. Put the important tasks beforehand

Now find the most important task on your to-do list and proceed to complete it. You must stop acting on your impulse to waste time by scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. Give this important task just a few minutes to start. Once, you get started you will most probably complete it within the time. The only problem was getting started in the first place.