The 8 Best Ways to Start Your Day

Make the most out of your mornings by following these 8 simple strategies. Establishing a purpose-centered, positive mindset each day is a powerful means of guidance and will prepare you to enthusiastically pursue your ultimate goals, ambitions, and become the "you," you envision. Treat each sunset as a new opportunity of endless possibilities. Get control of your body and mind from the outset of your day and experience the difference!

Prayer/Reflection: Express your gratitude for personal blessings, your continued need for guidance, and specific personal requests during a brief period of humble, heartfelt prayer. For the non-religious and religious individual alike, honest introspection can inspire the actions of the upcoming day and create a new sense of resolve in the process.

A Healthy, Balanced Breakfast: I cannot underestimate the physical and mental significance of a great breakfast. Skipping breakfast impairs our metabolism and actually hinders our ability for establishing a caloric deficit over the course of the day, as you are likely to overcompensate for skipping breakfast with an episode of overeating later in the day. Include a high source of protein in the morning such as a hardboiled egg, protein shake or smoothie, the previous night's leftovers, fruit and cottage cheese, or a low-sugar yogurt parfait to increase satiety and provide your body with a slow absorbing source of energy. Limit the amount of unhealthy carbohydrates and sugars in your morning meal to start the day with a stabilized level of blood sugar/insulin and feel fresher and more alert for the ensuing day.

Be Active: Make time for a morning workout or establish a regular period of movement to jumpstart your morning metabolism, release a rush of natural endorphins, make you feel more confident, and clear your mind from the day's outset.

Make the First One Count: Whether your first morning interaction is with friend, family, co-worker, classmate, or stranger, make the most of the opportunity. Oftentimes, starting your day with a shared smile, laugh, or insightful conversation will set the tone for more positive interactions throughout the course of the day.

Check the Planner: Plan ahead, avoid stressful surprises, and properly manage your time by recognizing the day's responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges.

Hydrate: Many of us are likely naturally dehydrated when we rise and shine. Drink a couple of glasses of water to start the day and lay off the sugary juice to enhance proper hormonal balance, digestion, cellular function, and de-stress the body.

Get Current: Use the internet, your phone, newspaper, or television to quickly catch up on the latest current events. Preparing for the day's "water-cooler discussions, will allow for more comfortable and fluid conversation and improve new and existing relationships.

Thought for the Day: Your daily mindset and attitude are critical to success. Each morning create a thought or theme for the day to guide your day's actions. If helpful, write it down and carry it with you or place the note in a highly visible spot, such as your desk, dashboard, or wallet.