How do you start your day?

@VioletteB82 Before I get up I do a BIG stretch so I get out of bed a foot taller than when I got in lol!

Then deep breaths, decaf coffee on the balcony & then have the daily morning whistle/chirp convo with our 4 parakeets, then lots of lively music while I plan my day.  

@VioletteB82

I typically start my day by first making sure I get a decent-to-good nights rest.

But Typically first thing I do during “Mon-Sat” is get up & get to the gym early before most others come in. Then I can sit & relax in the Sauna room & hot-tub and get my mind right and body ready to take on my workout class next. 

I like to get in my workout for the day & reach my step goals before Noon. So that I have the rest of the day to devote to my family. 

On Sundays it’s a little different, as I get up and relax first, meditate, spend time with my furbaby, and family, and then get in my workout after. Then take on the rest of the day ahead. 

@VioletteB82   When I get up I go to the kitchen to feed my cats who by this time are circling my ankles meowing.  Then I take a peaceful walk with my dog.  When we get back she eats her breakfast and I sit with a coffee watching the landscape.  I feel calm by this time and I can face the day.

Hi Violette,

That’s a great question.

Starting with the last part, I believe the way you kick off your day really lays the groundwork for how the rest of it unfolds.

First impressions often set the mood.

Imagine going to a concert you’ve paid for, and as soon as you step in, there’s rubbish everywhere, and the staff seems miserable and rude.

Sure, you might like the music, but that initial vibe would stick with you.

I try not to think too much.

As long as I can end my day knowing I did something positive and wake up excited about something, that’s what truly counts.

I usually start my day with a moment of gratitude. Everything I have could disappear in an instant, and my actions define me, not my feelings.

I wake up, look forward to the day, maybe do some quick pushups to get my heart pumping, and then tackle my busy day.

The key here is effortlessness. If you have to consciously think about how to act, it's the opposite of that. Just go with the flow and adapt.

It’s akin to going to a restaurant with your heart set on sushi. Upon entering, you notice a smorgasbord of other options for nourishment, but no sushi. To the extent that your heart is set on is sushi, your meal will be less pleasant; but if you are open to all the other options, you will enjoy yourself more.

Always about doing something rather than nothing or thinking there is a specific way to be. There isn’t.

Good morning, Violet.

Interesting questions you have there. So, first, I'd say yes, how you start your day is important. And what you do last night before going to sleep has a share of pre-determining how the next day will be. If you sleep late at night, you're more likely than not to wake-up. As for starting the day, it's best not to expose yourself to highly stimulating habits. Some common habits include check Social-Media applications after waking up, which causes a high dopamine influx. In turn, it's going to be likely that you won't or will not get the work you need to do throughout the day because they're not as stimulating ('Boring').

In the morning, I recommend sunlight exposure, especially before 10 o'clock. Some exercise too even it is light. And eat a protein-rich breakfast to keep you energised(A consultation from a good dietitian first will be favourable, if you have special dietary needs).

@VioletteB82

I love this question! I used to not have a morning/evening routine and now that I do I feel soooo much better.

I try to wake up at the same time every single day (although I don't always succeed 😄), I wash my face and pray, have a glass of water and then I put on the tea kettle and tidy up what I can while the water boils (dishes, litterbox...). After that I meditate with my tea and study some Arabic while I pet the cats. I really feel much better throughout the day when I manage to do these things!

@VioletteB82 yes I think how u start your day..says how it will be. I say that because I'm guilty of waking up feeling depressed or dreading, but I've started a routine for myself of getting dressed, fixing my hair, and then sitting outside and listening to instrumental music with limited scrolling of social media. Does this mean my days are good? No but it has helped me say ok well at least I accomplished getting dressed or attempting to put positive into my mind

@VioletteB82

My current morning and night routine look the same with me staring at my phone for hours. I would like to stop doing that.

An ideal morning routine would look like getting out of bed as soon as I wake up and starting my morning off immediately without looking at my phone.

My ideal night routine would look like having a cup of tea and reading before going to sleep.

@VioletteB82

How do I start my day? It really varies. If I worked the night before then I come home and get into comfortable clothes and out of my uniform. Then I take a solid nap. It's usually for a few hours then I'll get up for a few min lay back down and sleep till the next morning. 

If I did not work the night before I Start my day with a large mug of coffee and eggs for breakfast. I love eggs!  

@VioletteB82

The alarm on my phone goes off after I awake which is usually 7am. If I'm hungry I'll eat something lite. If not I get some situps in. Afterwards I'll rest and just let my mind drift. Then around 11am I'll shower and get some work in.