Sometimes, we're our worst enemy when it comes to sabotaging our day but there are some simple ways to ensure that your day gets off to a great start. All it takes is a little fine-tuning in the mind-set department.
Being organized is one of the first ways you can ensure that you don't sabotage the day ahead. Making lists of things you need to do and prioritizing them, will mean that you can get important things done. Don't sweat the small stuff and remember, if you don't get it all done today, don't panic. It will get done!
A good breakfast is another way to ensure you don't sabotage your day. Having a breakfast which is high in protein will mean you will have the energy to start the day the right way. Skipping breakfast will mean that you're more likely to reach for the wrong foods during the day and feel miserable as a consequence.
Every morning we have a choice. We can start the day in a positive mood or we can start the day in a negative mood. Ok, you might argue that you actually DO start the day the right way but it's other people who push you into the grumpy lane. That's not true. You can start the day in a good mood and you can stay that way regardless of what other people say or do.
This is difficult and if we're feeling particularly vulnerable, it can be tricky not to take things personally. One sure-fire way of sabotaging your day, is to take things personally. Your boss might be screaming at you and your usual lunch buddy might not want to lunch with you today. But don't take it personally. The universe is NOT conspiring against you. In fact, it's not about you at all. Just smile and think of all the great things you have going on in your life.
One of the best things you can do for your mind is to spend a few moments in the morning treating yourself to a spot of mindful meditation. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, preferably upright and close your eyes or soften your gaze. Then, breathe deeply and let go. If your mind wonders, that's ok but try to spend a few minutes just letting go and priming your mind for the great day ahead.
As we travel along the road called life, we accumulate a lot of baggage along the way. We can choose to let them weigh us down or we can choose to put them down for good. Often, we don't appreciate the weight of the baggage until we have set it down. Try to let go of what has been and don't worry about the future. The only time that matters is the present moment, so try not to sabotage your day by feeling guilty about the past or worrying about the future.
If you're a serial procrastinator then now is the time to stop. Think about what makes you procrastinate and focus on some of the ways you can make the most of your day. If you know you have a tendency to waste the afternoon chatting to colleagues by the water cooler or coffee machines, try to curtail your water cooler/coffee machine loitering habit for a time and see how much more productive you are. Of course, procrastination has a place and can be beneficial at times but it's about getting that balance.
These are just a few of the ways to ensure you have a great day. Can you think of any more ways?