5 ways to start your day on the right foot

Set your day for success: 5 tips backed by psychology

Starting your day on the right foot can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you achieve your goals. But with the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of yourself. For example, one common mistake people make in the morning is hitting the snooze button on their alarm clock. While a few extra minutes of sleep may seem like a good idea, research has shown that fragmented sleep can actually make us feel more tired and less alert. Instead of hitting snooze, try setting your alarm for a time when you can get a full night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. To avoid such mistakes, here are five simple ways to start your day on the right foot based on psychological facts and theories:

1. Wake up at the same time each day. Our bodies have a natural sleep-wake cycle called the circadian rhythm, which helps regulate our mood, energy levels, and other bodily functions. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule allows our bodies to adjust to a regular routine, helping us feel more alert and energised throughout the day.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it provides our bodies with the fuel they need to function properly. Eating a balanced breakfast that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help improve our mood, cognitive function, and physical performance.

3. Plan out your day the night before. The concept of "decision fatigue" refers to the idea that our brains have a limited amount of mental energy for making decisions. When we start our day without a plan, we often waste mental energy on small, insignificant decisions, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Planning out our day the night before allows us to prioritise our tasks and reduce the number of decisions we have to make, leaving us with more mental energy to focus on the important things.

4. Exercise or do some form of physical activity. Regular exercise has been shown to improve our mood, cognitive function, and physical health. Even a short burst of physical activity in the morning can boost our energy levels and help us feel more alert and focused throughout the day.

5. Take a few minutes to relax and de-stress. Our minds and bodies are constantly bombarded with stressors, and it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day. Taking a few minutes to engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can help calm our minds and reduce stress, leaving us feeling more focused and centered. Tracking one’s mood can also help to reduce stress. For that we recommend Meetelp.

In conclusion, starting your day on the right foot can have a positive impact on your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. By avoiding common mistakes such as hitting snooze, skipping breakfast, starting the day without a plan, and failing to de-stress, and by following these simple tips, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling day.

Read more here: https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/9-tips-for-your-best-morning-ever/