How I Design My Day

Breakfast For Your Brain.

Many of us have heard the saying that, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. And this is true for our physical well being. We know that by eating and drinking a bit of something healthy each morning, we give our bodies the nutrition it needs to fuel our energy to get us through the day. But while we do well to care for our physical needs, we may be neglecting something just as important in the process.

Not till I’ve had my coffee. Now we’ve all heard this one right? Or at least some variation. And if this holds true for you, don’t worry. I’m not judging. In fact, just between us, a great cup of java in the is how I get going each morning too. But what are we really saying? What does the coffee or tea or whatever we “need” to get going do for us? I believe it’s a chance to come back to reality. A moment to wake up, clear your thoughts and get ready for your day. An opportunity to get acclimated to the day and dealing with people. But I must say, that although I am very fond of my morning coffee. It still just isn’t enough. I needed something that would get me ready mentally, spiritually and emotionally each day.

I hate mornings! I know that many of us are not morning people at all. But when you get up to start your day, you should think about what you feed your mind with. Sometimes we wake with a fear or anxiety for the day, which is all the reason it is so important to take some time out and feed your mind with something positive. Logically, just as you would feed your body something good to get you going, you would likewise want to provide your mind some positive reinforcement to keep you lifted during the day.

What do you feed it? I phrase the question this way to liken the brain to a little monster. It seems funny, but when your mind races or you become anxious or even when you become down, it can begin to make you feel a little perplexed and out of control. It can cause you to lose time and energy traveling down a path of self-defeating and negative thoughts. While it is important to some degree to stay informed of current events, the news can be unhealthy for your mind if you are trying to be creative or productive. I recommend a healthy dose of positive meditation each morning.

Take control of your thoughts for a few moments, and direct them where you want them to be.  I take a few moments and pull up a motivational video on YouTube and allow it to play as I take some deep breaths. I like to move my fingers and hands as I do this and I take notice of the movements. I remind myself that much like I am controlling my breathing and my fingers, I have control of my thoughts and emotions at all times. I can direct them where I want all day long. I take a few moments to think of all I am grateful for and let each thing make me smile. After, I try to read a blog or quote or a bible scripture. Something encouraging where I can look at the words and let them soak in for a bit. Finally, I like to finish by searching a real upbeat and uplifting song to pump me up. Something that makes me want to move and while it plays, I stand and stretch as high as I can, then as low as I can. For the remainder of the song, I practice what I call, “victory” movements.

The victory dance. While I’m listening to my song of choice, I start moving as if I just won the lottery or scored a touchdown. It’s important to picture and imagine having a great day. Getting that break. Closing that deal. Selling that piece of art. And really get into it. I mean I pump my fist and raise my hands up like Rocky Balboa at the top of the steps. Don’t forget to smile. That part is huge. It’s like you’re celebrating victory before it happens. Believe me, it may seem silly, but it has made a huge difference on my attitude throughout the day. Try it for a week and see if you don’t start looking forward to it every day. By having better control of my thoughts and emotions, I can be more creative and productive everyday.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this. I sincerely hope it helps you. I frequently post positive quotes, silly one liners, motivational tips and music on my social media pages, so please follow me and let me help you stay up, stay positive and stay focused. Remember you have the ability to control your destiny and design your day.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram