Many of us know by the time we wake up, what daily tasks are ahead of us and how much we are (not) looking forward to tackling them. We do our daily mechanical tasks to prepare for the day but do we really take hold and manage our mornings?
Why is Morning Management Important?
It sets the tone for the day. Duh!… Not just in a “time” and “task” oriented way, but psychologically and emotionally. Imagine yourself like a computer… When you turn a computer on.. it does what? It 
needs a few moments to boot up, right? You’re not that much different from a computer in that regard. No one springs out of bed and into their daily routine like a Jack-In-the- Box!
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed….
Waking up after half a dozen snooze button taps, scratching your head, butt, while yawning and trying to recall that strange dream before showering and guzzling coffee to facilitate the energy to chase a (school) bus or to battle traffic isn’t exactly morning management. It’s almost lunchtime before you gain your wits about you if you you follow this routine regularly.
1. Gratitude
As soon as you plant both feet on the floor and before you push off your bed to stand up, think 
of 5 things you are grateful for: say them out loud if it doesn’t disturb anyone else. Who says Thanksgiving is an annual thing? Why not give thanks for each day? Whether it is health, family, friends, career… or simply waking up to see another day… 5 things off the top of your head… Puts things in perspective. For those who are religious, thank God for the day. It’s a short prayer but effective prayer.
2. Compliment Yourself
I know this may sound silly to some, but complimenting yourself… or having some daily affirmations go a long way. It helps to feel good about yourself. Find at least one good thing to say yourself: Self, I find that really awesome about you! Do this daily. When you feel good, it’s contagious. Raise your vibration before leaving the house. It could be anything like “wow what nice teeth you have” while brushing them, or “you are a fantastic cook” while making breakfast… whatever you fancy.. acknowledge yourself.
3. Stretch and Breathe
I’m not saying go full downward dog or anything but raise your hands to sky and bend over and touch your toes a couple times. Take a couple deep breaths to get the blood circulating and the oxygen flowing through the lungs and to the brain so that morning fogginess clears up fast and you can think clearer. You can do this while watching the weather or the news headlines… Got kids? Do it with them. It’s a quick quality time exercise that is a good habit to instill in them. Hook `em while they’re young!
4. Say I Love you
We all feel it, but do we say it? Let a loved one know you love them in the morning and wish them a good day. If you live alone, text a loved one, a BFF, or wave and wish a neighbor or the deli clerk a good day. Sounds insignificant but smiles and good vibes are contagious if you let your guard down and are open to them. If possible, get into the habit of talking to a positive and motivating person every morning. An exchange positivity goes along way throughout the day. It just makes the manic mornings a bit more… manageable.
5. Listen to Positive Music / Speakers or Silence..
Not every tune with a catchy beat should be played at all hours of the day. If you’re in traffic and you’re in the Trap House, it may produce and entirely different vibe 
and reaction to the traffic pattern than listening to lyrics that wouldn’t make your eyes pop out of your head of a 5 year old repeated the lyrics.
Another alternative is to listen to a good motivational speaker or sermon in the morning.
Taking for 15 minutes in the morning without music at all to clear my head. Puts you in a neutral disposition and prepares you to take on the day and whatever comes your way without the influence of some catchy tune that might influence your disposition in not-so-positive way.
Do you manage your mornings? Or do you just follow a routine? Let us know!
Much to Think About Nothing 