Want to set up your day for success? Taking time the night before to do things like lay out my clothes and put together a to-do list can make SUCH a big difference in my day.
Here are 15 things I try to do every morning that help my day go better:
1. Make My Bed
I've found that when I make my bed, something is signaled in my brain that says the day has started and that it's going to be a good day. When I walk past my bed during the day and see that it is made, my heart does a little flutter, and I feel like I'm in a good place. It’s like starting your day with a little win!
Need some motivation to make your bed every morning? Watch this.
2. Pray and Read God's Word
If I want to be able to give to others, I have to be intentional about filling myself up and replenishing my own supply. I don’t want to be completely drained and tapped out — or giving my family and friends the leftovers. One of the best ways for me to do this is by spending time in God’s Word.
I love the studies from SheReadsTruth.com. Over the years, I’ve also enjoyed The Daily Light, My Utmost for His Highest, and Jesus Calling for devotionals.
3. Count My Blessings
Each day, after I have read my Bible, I take time to write in my gratitude journal. I remember the wonderful things that God is doing in my life and some of the things He has done in the past. I love to use my gratitude journal because I can read over it later on. Every day, there is something that you can be thankful for, you just have to take time to pay attention to it!
Related: How Choosing Gratitude Has Changed My Life
4. Breathe and Spend a Few Minutes in Quiet
Our souls need a quiet space to breathe. I try to find a few moments in the morning to be completely silent and let my mind be quiet. Here's what I'm learning: when I take the time to be still, it allows me to process through things, think more carefully, pay closer attention, give myself space to feel, heal, and breathe.
5. Read a Chapter From a Good Book
Maybe you are saying, "I don't have time to read a chapter each morning!” That’s okay! Sometimes I don’t either. But I always try to begin each morning with reading at least a few pages from whatever non-fiction book I’m currently reading.
A few pages might not seem like much, but it adds up over time! And it’s a great way to start your day with good inspiration and to get the creative juices in your brain churning.
Related: My Top 10 Reads From 2015
6. Exercise
Even it if it is only 5-10 minutes, a little bit can make a big difference when it comes to exercise. Getting your heart pumping will help you to have a whole new outlook on life. It makes me feel more energized and ready to take on the day!
7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
I used to skip breakfast all the time. I would actually go for half the day without eating at all. It wasn't healthy for me and I would wind up feeling shaky.
Those few minutes I would save by not eating would cost me because I couldn't focus and be productive. Not only that, but by the time I would sit down to eat, I’d usually be so hungry that I’d reach for foods that weren’t very nourishing.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the time to eat a healthy breakfast. Make a plan. Make it a priority. Then, make it happen!
Related: 8 Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas
8. Dress For the Kind of Day You Want to Have
Ask yourself, "Do I want to have a lazy day or a productive day?" There is nothing wrong with having a day where you stay in your comfy pants, but that shouldn't be the norm.
Dress for success. If you want to get a lot done, wear something that helps you feel motivated, professional, happy, and focused.
Related: How I’ve Simplified My Wardrobe
9. Make a Plan
Every night before I go to bed, I map out what I plan to do the following day. This helps me to stay focused. I just look at what the next thing on my list to do is, and do it.
If you don't start out with a simple plan, you'll likely spend your entire day walking around, putting out fires, and not getting much done.
10. Turn on Music
I have fallen in love with Amazon Music. Apparently I've been living under a rock or something because, until recently, I didn't realize that Prime Music was free for those with a Prime Membership.
I've been listening to music almost every morning. Each day, I get up and decide what I'm in the mood for and then turn it on! It’s a great way to immediately lift your spirits!
11. Stay Hydrated
Usually, when you get up in the morning, you’re going to be dehydrated. The first thing you should do when you get up is to rehydrate yourself by drinking some water. When you’re well hydrated, you’ll feel more energy and you’ll function better!
12. Smile at Someone
Take the time to smile at someone. It is a free gift that you can give to anyone in the world. It is also a gift that you can give yourself, because people will probably smile back at you. This is the perfect way to lift someone else's spirit as well as your own.
13. Do Something For Another Person
What is one little thing that you can do for another person? One thing that I like to do is text a few people every morning and say something encouraging.
When I know someone in my life is having a hard time, a simple text will cheer them up and let them know I care. Plus, when you focus on others and serving them, it helps you to stop thinking about yourself and your own problems and discouragements.
14. Sing!
I don't know what it is, but when I sing, I can’t feel grumpy. I just can’t! Try it and see if it works for you, too! Even if you don’t sing well, turn on a song you like and sing! I bet you’ll feel lighter and happier when you’re done!
15. Tackle The Hardest Thing First
It is amazing what a difference it makes to tackle your hardest thing first. When you don't feel like doing something in a day, go ahead and get it out of the way. I find that it takes burden off of me and helps me to have more of a spring in my step and more productivity the rest of the day.
Related: Eat That Frog
What helps YOU start your day well? I’d love to hear!
