
There are also other proven benefits of walking, such as: In a small 2016 study, participants who took 5-minute strolls throughout the workday experienced: Walking is a wonderful way to break up the day - even if you have only a few minutes. To make progress, she says, pick one task to focus on and “set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes, or whatever time feels most manageable to you.” After the timer goes off, check in with yourself to see if you’d like to keep going - whether you do or don’t, acknowledge your accomplishment. When you’re staring down a mountain of to-dos, you might find yourself becoming anxious and burnt out - leading you to procrastinate on the very tasks you’re stressed about doing, says Emma Giordano, a mental health counseling intern at Empower Your Mind Therapy in New York City. There are some strategies you can try to give yourself that boost in the afternoon. But you don’t have to get sucked into the storm - at least not for too long. Weekdays may feel like a big blur of work, errands, and chores, easily upping your frustration and stress levels. a meaningful passage from a favorite book.To start your day with a dose of positivity, she says, read some encouraging words, like: “We often focus on the negative or how much work we might have ahead of us,” says Imani Wilform, MHC-LP, a therapist at Empower Your Mind Therapy in New York City. “My partner brought me coffee this morning.”.“Someone held the door open for me last night.”.Quazi suggests jotting down a few things you’re grateful for such as: Let yourself marvel at the magic all around you - big or small. Replace social and doomscrolling with gratitude. This way, you’re not tempted to reach for it when you first open your eyes in the morning. “I will take a few minutes to meditate and nourish my soul.”Ĭonsider keeping your phone outside your bedroom overnight.“I choose what I will spend my energy on, and I choose to spend it in a positive way.”.

“I am facing obstacles every day with the power I have within myself.”.“Positive thoughts will guide me through any challenge I may face today.”.According to Quazi, this might look like:

Your morning intention can be a general guiding principle or a specific action you’ll take.

Quazi is also clinical director of Sesh Therapy, which provides online group support. Your intention can be a “sound, word, or powerful statement that you can repeat to yourself throughout the day that reminds you that you do have the strength and commitment to get through the day,” says therapist Kruti Quazi, LPC. So, start your day off with a win or two, says Ryan Howes, PhD, a Pasadena, California-based clinical psychologist and author of “Mental Health Journal for Men.” Small wins can be super simple, he notes, such as: The act of accomplishing even the tiniest task builds momentum and boosts your self-confidence. You’ve heard it many times, and it’s true: Starting the morning off on the right foot sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
