3 ways to start the day

Start small, build new habits

Small changes you make in the morning can make a big difference in the rest of your day.

The MESSA Wellness programming is based on three primary principles: mindfulness, movement and nutrition. Striking the right balance between all three can help keep you steady as you navigate work life and home life.

Here are three small habits you can adopt to start your day on a positive note.

Mindfulness: Gratitude

“Our thoughts moderate our mood,” said MESSA Health Promotion Consultant Rhonda Jones. “Start the day in a positive mood by practicing gratitude.”

Think of three things you’re grateful for and either write them down or say them out loud.

Movement: Stretch

“Light movement and stretching support blood flow to all the vital organs, as well as your ligaments, tendons and muscles,” Jones said.

Here’s what Jones does every morning:

  1. Stand up straight and reach toward the ceiling. Lift up on your toes to engage your calves. Hold for a count of 20.
  2. Lean to the right while engaging the core and reach up with your left arm, then switch sides. Alternate for one minute.
  3. For the lower body, hinge at the waist and reach for your toes, bending your knees a bit if you feel tight. Hold for 20 seconds.

Nutrition: Hydrate

“Adequate hydration supports energy, cognition, mood and how well our body functions for the rest of the day,” Jones said.

Many of us reach mid-morning running on nothing but coffee, but your body needs more.

While we sleep our bodies go without hydration for a solid six to eight hours. So, treat yourself to a glass of water every morning.

Reflection

What are three small changes you can make to start your day off right?

Want more wellness ideas? Visit messa.org/wellness.