The way you begin your morning can make or break your day. If you sleep through your alarm,
wake up late and rush to work without breakfast, you will probably feel frazzled, hurried and out of sorts the rest of the day. On the other hand, if you get a good night’s sleep, wake up early and have time for exercise, journal writing and a healthy breakfast before your morning commute, you are likely to feel more rested, focused and productive during your workday.
This week, commit to making journal writing therapy part of your morning routine. Spend 10 to 20 minutes journaling and focus on one of these four wellness themes for a healthy start to your day.
Wake Up Happy With Journal Writing
1. Relaxation
Mornings are often a busy, even frantic, as you juggle home responsibilities and attempt to get out the door on time. Writing in your journal, even for just a few minutes, helps you relax your mind and sort through the day’s priorities. Jot down a few words of encouragement or a mantra to reflect on during stressful periods of the day.
2. Energy
If you aren’t naturally a morning person or are someone who needs several cups of coffee before 9 a.m., journal writing as soon as you wake up is an excellent way to engage your brain. Make a list of the top three things that you want to focus on today, and brainstorm ways you can prioritize your time to be most effective.
3. Gratitude
Gratitude journaling is the perfect cure for days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and spend 10 minutes free-writing a list of everything you are thankful for right now. Appreciate the beautiful weather, the morning newspaper or the dinner plans you have with friends later.
4. Stretching
Just as you need to stretch your muscles after a long rest, it’s also healthy to stretch your mind as you are waking up. Start by trying to remember anything you dreamt about the night before. Did you encounter any new ideas, nagging worries or interesting thoughts? What was the first feeling you had when you opened your eyes? Use these concepts as journaling material to warm up for critical thinking and problem solving throughout the rest of your day.
Do you ever do journal writing therapy exercises first thing in the morning? What tips are helpful for you?
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