Whether you’re spending your time in an office, on a
construction site, or hitting the pavement looking for work, how you start the
day will set the tone for what you do, and how you handle situations that
arise.
That’s why it’s important to take a few minutes at the start of each day to focus and prepare yourself for what’s ahead. So, use these seven tips to find focus in the silence of the morning, before the hubbub of work pulls your attention away.
1. Listen – Turn on your favorite song, or find another sound you find soothing. Before you begin talking and engaging with the world, listen to it.
2. Meditate – Before work, chances are your mind is running over all the tasks, meetings, and projects you need to tackle. It can be difficult to focus in the morning when your thoughts are all over the place. So, take a few moments, perhaps on your commute to the office, to pray, think, or meditate on the things to come. Clear your mind of all the distractions, worries, and expectations you have, and find a place of calm where you can settle for a few moments before you get into the activity of the day.
3. Stretch – Taking just a few minutes to stretch before you start to work is a great way to prepare your body for the day ahead. Whether you’re active or sitting at a desk, you need a chance to warm up your muscles and energize your mind. There are many quick and easy stretches you can do, so take just a few minutes and stretch.
4. Breathe – Simply closing your eyes, relaxing your neck, shoulders, and face, and taking a few deep breaths is a great way to clear your mind so you can focus.
5. Smile – It may sound silly, but research shows that simply smiling can enhance your mood. So smile every morning, and remind yourself of all the good things the day holds. Smiling in the morning will energize your face and help you feel happier and keep you smiling you throughout the day. If you need a little smile inspiration, check out the Happiness Project, a photo group that’s collecting pictures of a million unique smiles.
6. Play – Perhaps you have a child or pet you can spend a few moments of quality time with before you head to work. Or, find a brain teaser or puzzle you can work on before heading out the door. Get your mind engaged in a fun activity early in the morning, and wake up your brain. Don’t wait for your workday to finish before you find time to enjoy life. Awake your creativity by finding ways to play before you start the daily grind.
7. Plan – Set one goal for yourself daily. A goal you can reasonably accomplish. Choose the most important contribution you can make at this moment in time. Of course, you’ll probably accomplish more than that one thing, but set your focus early by knowing your top priority. This will help you cut through the clutter and noise of the workday and set you up for success. Because when you accomplish your day’s goal, you can celebrate and enjoy the satisfaction of that accomplishment.
Before you start work, be intentional about taking some time to find your focus. Spend a few minutes engaging your mind and your body so you can get the most out of the potential in each day. You’ll find yourself ready to take on the challenge of the day with energy, focus, and purpose.
Do you have a favorite part of your morning routine that helps you get ready for the workday? Share your ideas and tips in the comments section.
My favorite part of my morning routine are several things: Upon wakening, I thank God for waking me up in my right mind and body; then in my car while driving to work I listen to my favorite radio station(s) that play upbeat music and usually have some humor to share; upon arriving at work before I start my daily tasks I read my "Daily Word" magazine which gives me inspiration to remember the word of the day and try to live by it throughout the day. I also say this quote to myself:
"God help me go through this day with gratitude and less attitude". Hope this helps someone.
Posted by: Louise Crawford | September 19, 2009 at 02:05 PM