How I Have A Good Morning
My Mornings start at 5am and on some days, a few minutes before. Let me just say--it's not easy. First of all I am NOT a morning person and second I just don't like having to be up so early. But hey, a woman has to work, so I don't have a choice. At this time I've chosen an earlier work schedule so that my husband and I can commute to work together about an hour and fifteen minutes away. It works out because we are off earlier around the same time and are able to fit some gym time in. Let's just say I will be a happy woman once we finally move to our new city, but until then, as they say-- "You gotta do what you gotta do." In a perfect world, everyday would be easy to wake up bright and cheery, have breakfast, a latte, be dressed to kill everyday for work--but let's be real--sometimes I wake up and only have about 30 minutes to get it all together. Most of the time, I'm eating breakfast on the go (If any at all), and almost everyday I'm not wearing any makeup until mid morning ( I apply my makeup at work).
Starting the day super early can be hectic or stressful if you let it. Here are a few ways I'm able to curve my morning grouch, walk out the door in a good mood, and ready to take on my work day.
Prepare
I really cannot stress how important this is. Especially if you have a tight schedule like I do. I seriously don't have time to think about what I'm going to wear to work the morning of, no time to spend sipping coffee or tea in the kitchen wondering what's for breakfast. I have to be a few steps ahead already knowing what is taking place that morning. I normally plan the night of or even a few days before. I plan/prep my meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner the Sunday before the week. I haven't been really consistent with this but outfit prep is a good idea also.
I like to make sure my work and gym bag are all prepared as well as my hair (normally a low bun). That way once that alarm hits, I'm literally grabbing and going. Preparation is the most important key to having a good morning because you aren't rushing. And Lord knows when I'm rushing I'm in an irritable mood. Don't even do it to yourself sis, go ahead and prepare everything the night before to make it easier on yourself.
Wake up With Gratitude
I use to have a habit of waking up (already grouchy of course because--I'm not a morning person, lol) and maybe discussing things with my husband that happened during the day before that irritated me. I've learned to ditch that. It only causes stress and increases irritability even more. It may not be wise to talk business or work related issues when you're still blurry eyed and groggy. I've learned to start each day with a thankful heart and clean mindset. I do this by praying. Thanking God for another day of life and good health. Thanking him for allowing me to see another day. Expressing appreciation for all the good and positive things he has done in my life and everything that I believe by faith that he is going to do. I ask him to shift my focus and mindset. When I do that, I realize that important matters can be discussed later in the morning. Waking up with gratitude puts me in a better head space and mood to leave my home with a positive attitude. In my opinion, we need that every morning.
Eat Breakfast
And I'm not talking about scarfing down a bunch of pork and potatoes. Eat fresh! My body responds better to fruits, vegetables, and water early in the morning. I try not to eat foods that will leave me feeling weighed down and with the Itis by mid morning, so I ditch the sugar packed foods and have oatmeal with fresh berries instead. This will give me the energy I need and hold me over for a few hours. I also love eating sliced avocado, seasoned with a side of fruit. After I have a few cups of water also. Eating puts me in a good mood already so fueling up on breakfast makes for an even better attitude and overall a better morning.
Start Fresh
Each day is an opportunity to start new. To start fresh. I'm trying to make it a habit not to carry over yesterday's stress into a new day. Some challenges, I've learned, whether it be at work or personal, can't be resolved in a day, and that's fine. But when you go back to the issue with a clear and fresh mindset after a good night's rest may help to see a different perspective and ultimately resolve the problem. This seems to happen with me at work. There will be a point where I am trying to complete a reconciliation for a certain account and if my totals are off, of course I need to find the money, lol. Anywho, sometimes it can be a simple miscalculation. Maybe a total amount was entered in my spreadsheet incorrectly. Maybe there is a number that has been transposed. I can't even tell you how many times I have combed through data day by day in a sea of numbers to figure out the problem. I've learned that sitting and looking at a computer screen for 3 or 4 hours may not solve it. Most times I'm able to reconcile a discrepancy by stepping away from the project for a little and then coming back to it. My response when I find the solution "It's RIGHT THERE! How could I have missed it?" Looking too hard hun, lol. All in all a new day is a fresh start. Tackle any challenges with a new mindset. Don't think about how yesterday went. Just take one step at a time that day.
Roll With The Punches
When you live long enough you understand that everyday won't be perfect. I've locked my keys in the car, have had flat tires, woke up late, gotten traffic tickets-- I mean the list can go on. This is what life is all about. Of course we want to always prep for emergencies, but sometimes the inevitable just happens. That's what we would call..life. I've learned to just roll with the punches. Okay, yeah so you locked your keys in the car, which will cause you to be late for work. Okay. We can call a locksmith to get them out. You'll get to the job that you will still have and make it home that evening and life will go on. There may be something else and it may not be the last time something happens that slows up your morning. In the past year I have really adopted my parents' mantra of living life 'Stress Free'. I'm not going to spin my wheels worrying about ish that is beyond my control. GIRL. I am a grown woman with too much to do! I don't have time to make myself sick (because that's what stress will do!) worrying about the uncontrollable. I'll handle whatever as it comes. Upset for a moment, disappointed for a time, but I won't let any challenge or small nuances take over my life. When I tell you I don't have the time...believe me I don't.
And this is how I have a great morning guys. I do what I can with the right attitude by the grace of God and boom..I'm out the door! If I'm doing really good, I'll even treat myself to a yummy latte at a local coffee shop downtown. Hopefully these small tips can help you out. Just my thoughts! Have a beautiful day!