Louise Thompson: Start your day right - Part 3

Here are two more strategies which combine with the six strategies from previous weeks. Photo / Getty Images

How we start our day has a covertly powerful influence on how the rest of the day rolls out. Here are two more strategies which combine with the six strategies from previous weeks to help you take control and create a morning routine that will help you start your day right.

Read part one here and part two here.

7. What three words would I like to describe my day today?

Living with intention is a powerful change. Rather than being at the mercy of what's going on "out there" you have an internal intentionality about what you want to bring to your day. One of the easiest ways to do this is to set yourself three intention words for the day that set the scene for how you would like this day to unfold. It could be Focus+ Calm + Joy. Or, Fun + Ease + Flow. Whatever you want to GET from your day, and whatever you want to BRING to your day.

So, if things go a little pear-shaped, it's being able to wait longer than you wanted at the dentist and say "How can I bring Focus + Calm + Content to this situation? It might be taking the opportunity to read a magazine that is actually a bit of an unexpected treat, or it might be to chat to the receptionist and brighten her day, or it might be to have some clear time and aim to clear 10 emails. Rather than railing against the situation, anchor back to your intention set in the clear morning air to BRING and RECEIVE Focus + Calm + Content that day.

My three intention words today are:

................. +.................+...................

8. How would my body like to start the day?

Starting your body right at the start of the day has a profound effect on how you feel physiologically through the day. If you ask your body what it would like to best start the day it might say "hot water and lemon, please" or "a green juice, thank you" rather than the traditional industrial-strength espresso. We have such delicately balanced systems that respond well and quickly - taking a moment to step back and look at your regular morning routine to see if it might need a change in terms of food/drink/exercise commitment to best honour it will allow you to feel better not just in mind but in body as your day develops.

What my body REALLY wants to start the day is..............................................

Boom! I have now given you eight strategies to start your day off right. They will enable you to have a better day more of the time. The energy with which you start your day is pivotal - it sets the tone for what is to come - so take control and get out of bed on the right side tomorrow. Your whole day will be better for it.