Bryce Evans shares his tips to winning your morning and starting the day right.
When you’re living with high-functioning depression (like me), I’ve found that it can often be the little things that happen throughout the day that determine your mood.
That’s why it’s helpful for me to set myself up for success in the morning so I can build momentum and start off with a more positive mindset. Having a few key actions or routines that I can achieve each morning to kick off the day and help gain focus on my priorities can make all the difference.
Most important, however, is coming up with the right morning routine. In my experience, the way I spend the first few hours after waking up can really set the bar for how I’ll feel over the course of the day and how productive I am.
The following is what has worked for me. You’ll need to test these tips to find what works for you. Trust me, the time invested in the process will be well worth it. Nothing is better than waking up refreshed and able to hit the ground running.
When creating your morning routine, keep it simple. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Focus on one tactic first and build consistency. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself to the point of anxiety (the irony here is too real).
In addition to working with my doctor, so much of what I do to manage my depression and anxiety comes back to the fundamentals of keeping a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, and find ways to express yourself and clear your mind. And don’t forget to move your body and sweat often!
There’s no need to strive for perfection and get down on yourself if you miss a habit.
Sometimes, that means catching myself when I feel overly frustrated or lacking in energy during the day. I’ll have a mini check-in with myself to shift things around, try complete a habit that I might have missed earlier in the day — whether that’s a short walk, a few minutes of mindfulness, or finishing something that I’ve put off — and get back on track.
Each new morning is an opportunity for a fresh start. Are you ready?
NPS-US-NP-00606 MARCH 2020
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