Mental health workouts to try every morning

by Staff Bona

Since it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought it might be a good time to look at morning rituals. Starting the day on the right note can really ensure success and productivity.

These tips can help to boost your mood, focus and clarity throughout the day and help to build emotional resilience.

1. Gratitude Journaling

  • What to do: Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning. It could be as simple as a good night’s rest, a warm bed or the people in your life.
  • Why it helps: Gratitude shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life, promoting happiness and reducing stress.

2. Mindful Breathing

  • What to do: Take 5-10 deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of air moving in and out of your lungs.
  • Why it helps: Mindful breathing calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and improves focus.

3. Positive Affirmations

  • What to do: Repeat a few positive affirmations or self-empowering statements. Examples: “I am capable,” “Today is going to be a good day.” I have affirmations pasted all around my apartment to help me feed my soul with positive thoughts throughout the day.
  • Why it helps: Positive affirmations build confidence and encourage a more optimistic mindset.

4. Gentle Stretching or Yoga

  • What to do: Spend 5-10 minutes stretching or doing simple yoga poses.
  • Why it helps: Gentle movement releases tension, improves circulation, and prepares your body for the day ahead.

5. Visualization

  • What to do: Visualise how you’d like your day to unfold. Picture yourself calmly handling challenges, feeling joy, or achieving a specific goal.
  • Why it helps: Visualization helps set intentions and primes your brain to respond to situations with a more positive outlook.

6. Five-Minute Meditation

  • What to do: Sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath, a mantra, or sounds around you for five minutes.
  • Why it helps: Even a short meditation session can enhance clarity, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation.

7. Set an Intention

  • What to do: Choose one word or phrase that captures your focus for the day, such as “patience,” “productivity,” or “self-care.”
  • Why it helps: Setting an intention provides direction and helps guide your actions throughout the day.

 

Compiled by: Marian Volkwyn

First published by Woman&home

Also see: Guard your mental health at the workplace and make these adjustments