You know the saying.
Most all of us have been told once or twice before that we have woken up on the “wrong side of the bed." We may have tossed and turned, had a bad dream or went to bed feeling stressed and, as a result, awoke feeling cranky, sad or anxious. This can really have an impact on how we behave throughout the rest of the day, which is why we have to make sure we make time to tell ourselves that each day is filled with new opportunities and that great things can be accomplished if we set our minds to it.
These positive words, these mantras, can turn any morning into a more positive one and set our days up for success.
Considering how important it is to start our days right, we should really focus on establishing the right morning routines. We probably all have some kind of ritual that we do after waking up. For some people this might include going on their phones right after their alarm rings, for others it might mean getting up and making a cup of coffee, and for others, it might include putting some clothes on and going for a run. No matter what your morning routine is, there is one thing we should all try doing right after waking up and that is to set a daily intention.
A lot of us get caught up in daily tasks and worries and we lose sight of what is truly important. Sure, you may have that appointment or we have to finish that report, but what do you want to get out of the day? How do you want to feel? What do you want to accomplish?
Setting an intention every day allows us to strengthen the connection between ourselves and the world around us. It can also help us better understand ourselves and our thoughts. By establishing how we want to feel, we can approach our day with a whole new perspective and a more positive outlook.
These intentions can be general or broad. We can tell ourselves something as simple as “I want to feel grateful today” or make it more specific by deciding “I wish to approach today’s morning meeting with patience and willingness to listen." These positive intentions will help guide our actions and provide tools for better decision making throughout the day.
Although this beneficial practice is an easy one to follow, we know it can be hard to develop new behaviors, especially when we’re just starting out. Fortunately, we have found a way to help you out with this daily intention-setting journey.
Kamala Collective, a development agency that makes mindful apps, recently created Yoga Wake Up. This app, which is currently available on the Apple App Store, offers free and in-app purchase yoga audio sequences guided by some of LA’s best yoga teachers. Each wake up is themed, many of which guide you through setting an intention for your day. Coupled with a morning yoga sequence, these wakeups will not only prepare your body for the day ahead but your mind and soul as well.
This new year, start each day with positive intention. Our mantra: "Make this your best year yet."
Now that there are no more excuses, try starting this amazing practice when you wake up tomorrow morning.