3 Ways To Start Your Day Right Today
So today I wanted to share a really important quick tip on men’s self-care that’s often overlooked but is so important (especially when we’re trying to keep stress at bay) - morning rituals.⏲️
Yep, the humble morning ritual will usually set the tempo of your day so you do it right! These days we’re also busy, literally your eyes open, you reach for your phone, send a text, check Facebook –or, OMG- look at the latest political nonsense, and you feel bad about something you saw in the feed - fed the kids, then the dog, packed lunches, poured a third cup of very strong coffee, sent another email—all before 7am?🧟
You know what else happens during this epic wake-up routine? An unhealthy shot of adrenaline, and dads you know what that means - feeling stressed in the double figures!
12 men per day are committing suicide every day in the UK, and now it is the single biggest killer of men under 45!
Compared to women, men are 3.5 times more likely in the US to die by suicide
Stress comes in all forms of life and it’s time to cut your risk now, so today’s FIT TIP is how to start the day right
You both owe yourself, and deserve to have-- the best possible start each, and every morning.
Now I know that there will outside factors that might interfere on occasion, and I know that there may well be outside stressors that are waiting to leap into your mind the moment you start to feel present and awake, but nevertheless you are the boss of your mind!
You can choose your own thoughts, free from what you have or haven’t done, or what you do or don’t have, or what’s missing in your relationships, jobs or overall well-being.
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
So, let’s take back your first waking time and start it right: after all, your mind is your sovereign space and you are the leader of that kingdom, and with small steps and positive practices you’ll be amazed what you can achieve…
Stress will lose the battle of control over your psyche. Let’s do this…
Here are three things you can do TODAY.
1| Chill The Alarm ⏲️
If you need to set an alarm, make sure it’s gentle, not a fog horn. There’s nothing worse for your adrenals than the blaring sound of an obnoxious alarm. Instead, choose something like a subtle chime that slowly brings you back into consciousness.
2| Set Your Mindset To Support You
Start with a positive thought or positive affirmation, mantra, or meditation - choose which ever speaks to you. This is an easy yet powerful way to invoke positivity and set an intention for a great day.
Some of you might initially think –think, “c’mon, this is psychobabble!”. But guys, I went through losing everything with 7 kids in tow, and it’s a great part of what got me through it with my sanity (…well, judge for yourself).
So I use a mantra first thing in the morning, really before I open my eyes. A mantra is a word or sound meant to be chanted aloud or repeated silently in order to enhance concentration in meditation - but the only real criteria for a solid mantra is that it revs you up and inspires you to tackle your to-do list!
My morning mantra is to give gratitude-- to conquer the day with a good attitude, honoring my body and how it’s feeling daily. Staying positive with everything I do helps me feel calm, and I end up not stressing the small stuff.
Here’s mine:
“I’m grateful for all that I am and all that I have"-simple, but it works for me
3| Get Oxygenated!
Clear out the musty old carbon dioxide air from your lungs and feel fresh oxygen to flood back in and rejuvenate you by practicing this one-minute breath meditation:
For one minute, follow this breathing technique:
Breathe in for 5 seconds
Hold your breath for 5 seconds
Release for 5 seconds
Hold for 5 seconds
Practice this breath pattern for one minute a day.
Tip: Breathing reduces tension and anxiety and improve concentration and memory, as well as STRESS. Good to know right!
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Over to you! Try this powerful combo, and let me know how it worked for you, plus, share with me and the Everything For Dads Stress Solutions Community which practices help you start your day in a healthy way that set you up for a big win! 👍👍👍