3 Easy Morning Rituals to Boost Your Mood Each Day
At the start of the year I set some new intentions (rather than resolutions). I'm really not a natural morning person, but the main goal was to try and wake up 1 hour earlier. Before writing it off, hear me out...
I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode and helping others from the second I open my eyes. Sound familiar? Whilst the thought of getting out of my bed one hour earlier did not appeal, what did appeal was the thought of waking up in a quiet house and drinking a hot cup of tea in silence. I tried it, and loved it. Now I genuinely feel I gain so much more from that one hour in the morning compared to what I can gain from staying up one hour later the night before.
In this hour I do a few different things; small actions that are making a big impact. If you want to lift your mood and challenge yourself to do try something new, here are 3 daily rituals that can improve your mental wellbeing.
3 morning rituals to boost your mood and improve mental wellbeing
1.Keeping a Gratitude Journal
The 5 Minute Journal has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude and reflection in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my morning by filling out this journal which asks me to write the same things every day including;
- 3 things I am grateful for (could be something as simple as the hot cup of tea in your hands)
- What would make today great? (this must be things you can control e.g. 'early night' not 'a sunny day')
- 2 affirmations
Then in the evening, you complete the page by writing;
- 3 amazing things that happened today (even if you had a very mundane day, you can always find positives)
- How could I have made today even better (a chance to reflect and decide what you'd do differently)
You could treat yourself to a copy of the book, or simply answer these questions daily in a blank notebook. There is no right or wrong way to journal. For me, I believe the ritual of writing your thoughts down on to paper is incredibly grounding and powerful.
2. Daily Affirmations
Affirmations are a way to train your brain to think more positively about yourself and your life. They can sometimes be difficult to come up with off the top of your head, so I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from Lovaine Store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I try to pluck one from my head too. They're definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally strong.
When you find some affirmations that really resonate with you, why not grab a stack of post it notes and put them somewhere you'll see them daily? This could be somewhere like your fridge or your bedroom mirror. A few or my favourites include;
- I will attract all that is meant for me
- Everything is playing out for me exactly as it should
- I trust in the unique timing of my life
- I am doing my best every day and that is enough
3. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state that means you are truly present in the current moment, and can be reached by practicing meditation. After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the Calm app, which is so easy and accessible for first-timers like me. Having done hatha yoga for a few years, the breathing and relaxation felt comfortingly familiar. I am only just scratching the surface of mindfulness and meditation but 14 days in, my mind was already feeling calmer and clearer. I start each morning in a better mood.
As a Mum, I realise this post doesn't account for the fact that kids can wake up at very different times each morning. Often my sacred hour has been rudely interrupted by a small human. You may not manage a full golden hour each morning. But the point is that the option to wake an hour early and try these simple practices is something extra you can add to your mental health tool box, whenever you feel you need it.
Karen Hutzcal
Today was 17C so we’re definitely into nice weather. Had my small garden tilled today. I will plant zucchini and carrots tomorrow.