DeStressfirmations #1 - Start Your Day In A Positive Way

(Listen to the audio above for the narrative)

I have found that it is very important for me to set my day in a positive way. I have a routine that I have been doing for the last five years that has made such a difference in my life. While it has involved a time sacrifice, it has ultimately been worth it when I think about what I have gained…a sense of peace, optimism and joy!

Here are a few suggestions that I have to start your day in a positive way. All of these may not work for you but if you can incorporate some of them it will help you start your day in a less stressful way. In order to get the full benefit of these suggestions it is a good idea to wake up 30 minutes earlier than what you normally do .I know, I know, that sounds like a huge sacrifice. Perhaps going to bed 30 minutes earlier will do the trick. Maybe you might want to record that TV program you want to watch, or call your girlfriend on Saturday afternoon instead of staying up late to chat.

Try these tips to start your day in a positive way.

  • Lemon Water – the night before you go to be set next to your bed a glass of water with lemon. Put a cloth over the top of the glass and let it sit until the next morning. Drinking lemon water when at room temperature when you first wake up, is a wonderful way to get your metabolism going, to wake up your brain, and to feel invigorated as you get out of bed.
  • Prayer and Meditation – taking 10 to 15 minutes during the very first few minutes of your day is key to setting a tone of peace and serenity for the day. Read your favorite scripture, or perhaps spend time meditating on an affirmation or visualization. The purpose is to allow yourself to connect with you, and to allow yourself to feel a sense of peace and joy.
  • Movement – It is important to move during those first few minutes of the day.Yoga is a wonderful low impact way to incorporate movement in your day. An Asana such as the “Sun Salutation” is a great way to stretch the body, get the blood flowing to your vital organs, and give you a sense of well being to start the day. Taking a brisk walk in the early morning air is invigorating, or perhaps you prefer a quick jog. Whatever you decide to do for your daily am movement, use wisdom . Do stretches (gentle ones) before walking. Listen to your body as you move; it will clue you in if you are pushing too much. The goal here is to get you moving, To give your body and you an opportunity to feel invigorated.
  • Gratitude Journaling – It is helpful to focus on the good things that are going on in your life first thing in the morning rather than all the bad things that are happening. Journaling doesn’t have to take a long time. You might want to start with listing three things that you are grateful for…no matter how small. The idea is to get your thought patterns on something positive, something that brings you joy and a sense of well being. Even if your top three things are nail polish, deodorant, and your latest CD…write it down! You will be surprised how over the next few days your gratitude journaling will grow and become even more meaningful.
  • Visualization – Take the time each morning to visualize how you want your day to go. Visualize those things during your gratitude time that you are believing God (the Universe or whatever you call it) for…ie you can see yourself driving that new car, you can see money flowing into your bank account, you can see that new relationship budding and flourishing. What we think about, what we ponder on will come to pass when we write about it , talk about it, and when we visualize those actual events coming to fruition.
  • Music – Starting your morning with inspirational and uplifting music really sets the course for your day.Whether you play it softly or turn it up and sing along at the top of your lungs, it’s an uplifting way to start the day.

Prayer/Meditation Room

I have found having a prayer/meditation/war room a wonderful place to start my day.This is just a suggestion, not a must have.

Setting aside a room in your house for your own quiet space, to meditate or pray in, is a good way to provide yourself with a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Think of the things that make you calm and happy, and apply them to this personal space. Add elements that inspire you and ignite your senses as you mediate and pray.

  • Choose a room for your meditation or prayer room that is quiet. Clean the room and remove anything that doesn't relate to your meditation and prayer. Paint the room with a soothing color and add inspiring or calming artwork to the walls. Cover the windows with breezy curtains that maintain your privacy, but let light in.
  • Put a comfortable piece of furniture in the room. An overstuffed chair or a small sofa work well. Add floor pillows as well.
  • Place a table in the room and use it as a personal shrine. Place your religious or inspirational books on the table, as well as any artwork or personal items that help you to focus. You may also like to place candles and incense on the table, to help you focus during meditation or prayer.
  • Keep a CD player or other music player in the room, along with a collection of soothing or inspirational music. Music often helps with meditation and prayer, and it can block out the sounds of the outside world.
  • Place live plants and cut flowers in your meditation and prayer room to add life and a pleasant scent.
  • Candles always give a nice natural and intimate glow to your prayer room.



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