Get energized for the day ahead.
Starting the day off on the right foot sets the tone for everything that follows. A positive morning routine can ground you with a sense of purpose and clarity. It helps you approach challenges with a more balanced mindset and makes it easier to stay focused, motivated and productive.
By intentionally beginning the day with actions that nurture your well-being, you create momentum that carries into your work, relationships and goals. At the same time, you’ll be better equipped to handle stress and setbacks throughout the day.
And one simple way to set yourself up for success is a practice called Now How Wow. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Now: A grounding exercise to put you on a solid footing.
Start by picking a colour, any colour. Now spend the next 30 seconds or so making a mental inventory of everything around you containing that colour — your coffee mug, a car outside the window, your socks, etc. (Essentially, it’s the game “I spy with my little eye” but with no wrong answers.)
This can quickly and effectively get you out of your head and bring your attention back to the moment and your surroundings. It has a calming effect, slowing the flurry of thoughts bouncing around your brain and can make the day ahead feel less stressful.
Step 2. How: A daily intention to focus your approach to the day.
After finding every blue, red or green item around you, ask yourself this question: “How do I want to be today?” This exercise isn’t about identifying what you want to accomplish or what’s on your to-do list. Instead, it’s an opportunity to be intentional about the attitude or energy you’d like to bring to the day.
For example, you might want to approach the day with a productive mindset. Maybe it’s setting a goal to be more helpful to your co-workers. Or to worry less about things outside your control. Whatever it is, making a conscious decision about how you want to act as a person can be a great way to add direction and focus to the day.
Step 3. Wow: A moment of gratitude.
Finally, count your blessings. Simply take a moment to reflect on two or three things you’re grateful for. Sure, the world is full of stressful jobs, scary pandemics and stupid jerks who cut you off on the highway. But it’s also full of awesome things, and reminding yourself of that fact can be a powerful mood booster.
And that’s it! Three steps. Two minutes. One easy way to fire up your day.
And to help make the habit stick, try piggybacking it with another one you’ve already established — like doing the exercise while you’re brushing your teeth or driving to work.