Why the First Thought of Your Day Should Be Positive!

Who else hates the sound of their alarm? I always try to pick the most pleasant-sounding alarms to wake up to, but it doesn’t really matter in the end, because I end up dreading that sound regardless of how pleasant it is! Waking up and being slapped in the face with rushing to work, heading to the gym, getting the kids ready, etc. can make it really easy for the first thought of our morning to be negative. Unfortunately, when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, the rest of the day quickly follows suit. Negative thoughts put our body into automatic “fight or flight” mode, which can lead to mood swings between agitation, anxiety, depression, decreased memory and attentiveness, fatigue, a weakened immune system, and an overall shorter lifespan and lower quality of life. Positive thoughts help strengthen nerve connections in your brain, which can improve your mental productivity, improve your ability to think and analyze, and increase alertness and attentiveness. People who have a positive mindset tend to lead healthier life styles and are more active, which also helps promote the positivity due to the release of endorphins. When we are more happy and fulfilled we have lower stress levels, healthier relationships, and better coping skills. Plus, positivity breeds more positivity, so if you are able to start your day off with an uplifting thought, you’re more likely to have a better day. One thing I have started doing recently that has really helped me start my day off on the right foot is writing in a gratitude journal. So, next time your alarm goes off and you catch yourself grumbling under your breath as you hit snooze, remember that there is good in every day, but we have to choose to notice it.