Sometimes it can be really hard to start your day off with a great attitude, especially when life gets in the way. Issues can occur at any time, whether you’re dealing with pressure at work, financial issues or trouble in your marriage/relationship or with your children, so staying positive may be the last thing on your mind, but that’s exactly when having a positive outlook can be most beneficial. Here are 4 tips to help you start your day off with a great attitude.

• Get a good night’s sleep. If you have a lot to do the following day, set up and prioritize your “to do” list the night before. Also, keep a pad and pen handy to jot down any worrying thoughts that may pop into your head during the night. In addition, maintain a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. All of these tips can help you sleep better at night and help you feel rejuvenated in the morning.
• Take care of your body by eating right and exercising. Begin your day by eating a nutritious breakfast. Eating healthy and working out on a regular basis can help you feel energized and revitalized, not just in the morning, but throughout your day as well. If your body feels good, then so do you.
• State positive affirmations to yourself and change your negative thoughts into positives. It’s easy to go down the negativity road when you first wake up in the morning. You may be tired or grumpy or just not in the mood to get up and start your day, but all that negativity, whether it’s towards yourself, others or your job or career, just brings you down and makes you feel worse about everything! Stating affirmations in the morning helps set up your day to be a great one. For instance, saying something as simple as “today is going to be a great day” helps to change your mindset to one that is positive.
• Be grateful for all the good in your life. This last tip ties in well with stating your affirmations. Showing gratitude by stating what you are thankful for can help curb any negative thoughts you may be experiencing so instead of dreading your day, focus on all the positive aspects of your life.

Beginning your day with a great attitude will require some effort on your part. But remember, the same energy it takes to complain and engage in an overall negative attitude can be applied to one that is much more positive. Here’s hoping you have a great day today!

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. Alicia is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.