Friday 25 October 2013

10 Ways to Wake Up Happier

Exploding Comics

     The struggle to get up in the morning can become debilitating and it can ruin your mood for the rest of your day. Whether you consider yourself a morning person or a night owl, the thought of waking up happy on a Monday morning probably sounds like something out of a movie - unrealistic and downright not happening. But believe it or not, , it's not impossible to wake up feeling motivated. We tend to believe that happiness comes from events. So, rather than assuming control of our emotions or feelings, we attribute our reactions to external causes -thereby granting them access of our most influential of emotions. Most of the things we let bother us on a daily basis are only a result of our own attitudes. All it takes is a slight shift in perception of control and things will not look so catastrophic and detrimental anymore.


   Here's a few tips to wake up happier tomorrow:


1. Post your plans for the next day somewhere in your room:

     Post a note somewhere you can see first in the morning with your top 5 tasks for the upcoming day. Make one of them time sensitive and obligatory so that there is no excuse for delay. Keep them as specific as possible so they don't overwhelm you the next morning.

     
2. Plan something outlandish each day:

    In addition to writing your daily tasks, you can make it a habit to break the routine by choosing to do something out of the ordinary. Examples of this can be taking a new route to work or calling up someone special. You can find some other ideas here.


3. Keep the shutters open:

     Let the sunlight hit your skin before you wake up. It will activate your waking hormones and set your circadian rhythm in proper form.


4. Prepare everything beforehand:

    Choose your outfit and iron your clothing the night before. Also, organize that bag along with any other necessities beforehand. You will wake up to your day easier because your clothes will indicate to you that you've got things to look forward to. Saving time and energy by doing so also wakes you up easier.


5. Drink water first thing in the morning:

  Before you grab that coffee, drink plenty of water -especially after fajr. Dehydration causes fatigue and puffy eyes and drinking water helps restart your internal system.


6. Praise Allah:

   The best way to feel good in the morning is to know God still exists. The thoughts that He chose to wake you up this morning to live another day is one that can help you get up much easier to fulfill your daily duties. The morning dua is meant to remind us of our deen to set our day towards acquiring good deeds;

"The morning has come to me and the whole universe belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, O Allah, I ask of you the good of the day, it's success and aid and it's nur (celestial light) and barakaat (blessings) and seek hidayah (guidance) and seek refuge from the evil in it (this day) and from the evil of that which is to come later."


7. Do a morning dance:

     Exercise wakes up  your muscles and sends blood to your brain. You'll feel alert and ready to take on the day. However, for some of us who can't see themselves jogging in the morning, a simple dance routine can put a smile on your face and give you the benefits of exercise. Try the macarena -no one can do that dance with a straight face.


8. Eat breakfast in your pajamas:

  We tend to put more of our time on our looks and other preparations that food becomes the last thing on our mind. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes and switch up your daily routine so that your breakfast is consumed before doing anything else. Focus on foods with protein, fruits and ease up on the carbohydrates - they tend to make us tired.


9. Put your life purpose on your mirror:

    Write down your biggest motivators on a note and stick it in the middle of your mirror. You'll be forced to read it before you use the mirror and it will set your whole day in motion.


10. Make wudu:

     Making wudu prepares us for prayer and keeps us calm. So, don't forget your wudu and remember to say the shahada before you do.


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