Starting each day with a positive mindset is easier said than done, right? Believe me, I’ve hit the snooze button and wallowed under the covers trying to delay facing the day plenty of times.
But I’ve learned that how I choose to spend my first waking moments impacts everything that follows.
It’s incredible how setting a positive intention in the AM can ripple outwards to lift the next 16 hours with hope instead of dread.
So, in this post, I want to share 13 morning rituals that have worked for me when I managed to put them into practice.
And if they can work for me — former night owl and reformed pessimist — I assure you that with some commitment to habit change, you can get there too. Perfection is not needed, just keep adjusting and finding what resonates over time.
The tips I’ll be covering focus on simple, actionable ways to shift your mindset, energize your body, connect with your values, and cue up success as soon as you wake. Remember, these tiny tweaks can snowball into transformed days when they become consistent routines.
Table of Contents
How to Start Your Day With a Positive Mindset: 13 Ways
1. Wake Up Early Enough So You Don’t Feel Rushed
I know — the thought of giving up those precious cozy morning minutes in bed feels torturous.
Hitting the snooze button always seems so appealing in the moment. But the dread of then having to frantically rush through getting ready casts an anxious pall over everything.
Trust me, I’ve been there! It took me a while to overcome my night owl tendencies — two years to be precise. But slowly adding just 15-30 minutes to my wake-up time changed everything. Now I ease into the morning feeling calm and intentional instead of cranky and frenzied.
So, consider going to bed a little earlier, then setting your alarm allowing enough waking time before you “have” to be up and about.
Use those bonus minutes however best suits you — savor your tea, stretch out the kinks, or browse an inspiring podcast.
Removing the time-pressured scramble makes space for positivity.
Related Post: Design a Mindful Morning Routine That Works for You: 9 Habits
2. Do Some Light Stretching or Meditation When You First Wake Up
Instead of immediately leaping out of bed into full-on productivity mode, pause first.
Settle into wakefulness gently by taking a few minutes for light yoga, simple breathing exercises, or whatever centering ritual you prefer.
I alternate between short guided meditations, stretching out the stiffness from sleep, and listening to calming music. Any of those allow me to greet the day centered and intentional rather than reactive.
Making this small mindfulness break a habit means you can face everything from a state of calm presence.
3. Listen To or Think Positive Affirmations While Getting Ready
Speaking words of empowerment, even just in your mind, plants seeds of positivity that will blossom throughout your day.
I’ll admit, at first, I resisted voicing affirmations out loud as I washed my face or got dressed. It felt silly and pointless. But once I leaned into the discomfort and actively focused on stating what I needed to believe about myself, something shifted. I realized that I was watering the garden of my mind with uplifting truths.
There’s a reason why this blog is called “Strike Me Calm.” I grew up with tons of anxiety. Even on mornings when there wasn’t anything fearful to look forward to, my stomach still churned with nerves and my breathing fastened. Calming affirmations helped me gain control of my nervous system again!
So give it a try! Whether you prefer playing a recording of positive affirmations or quietly repeating a simple mantra like “I am enough,” make it a part of your morning routine.
Let the repetition instill confidence and optimism to carry with you.
4. Let Daylight In and Make Your Bed In the Morning
This two-part routine may sound mundane, but it truly energizes me with a sense of positivity first thing in the morning.
Pushing back the curtains to greet sunlight instantly lifts my mood. However dreary the weather, just seeing that sunrise as a sign of renewal and hope stirs me.
Pair that with smoothing out yesterday’s rumpled chaos to face a fresh start. Making order from disorder and imposing that little bit of organization and care to begin the day grounds me in calm.
Try it — infuse your space with natural light, then tidy up your sheets and blankets. Let it spark momentum to continue reaching for small acts of control throughout your morning.
You’ve already accomplished two things before even getting out the door!
Related Post: How to Simplify Your Morning Routine for a Happier, Healthier You
5. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast to Fuel Your Body and Mind
I can’t stress how much preparing a balanced morning meal rather than running out the door with tea alone has become a game changer for my mood. Taking time to nourish my body with protein, fiber, and important nutrients pays off all morning long with steady, positive energy.
I find making overnight oats or chia pudding makes a wholesome breakfast that’s convenient even on busy days.
But do what works for you — a vegetable omelet, yogurt topped with fruit and nuts, or whole grain toast with peanut butter. Find options you enjoy eating while caring for your unique nutritional needs.
This investment in self-care powers your cells, sharpens your focus, and balances your blood sugar.
6. Plan Your Day the Night Before for a Sense of Control
When I was stuck in a scatterbrained rut of perpetual lateness, anxiety frequently torpedoed my days before they even began. However, taking time the night before to map out tasks, to-dos, etc. was a revelation.
Just spending 10-15 minutes zoning in on the next day’s schedule, and getting clear on priorities transformed my flustered mornings. Now, I rise feeling centered and prepared rather than guessing at what’s ahead.
So, put this practice into place for yourself too!
Outline reasonable goals, order anticipated tasks, and get your stuff laid out and ready to grab. It may feel like one more effort after a long day but trust me, the morning-you will thank the night-before-you!
7. Listen to Uplifting Music or Podcasts During Your Commute
Instead of subjecting yourself to abrasive morning radio chatter or scrolling anxiety-inducing headlines, curate the audio space around you intentionally.
Seek out transporting melodies or podcast episodes that spark introspection.
When I used to work in an office, I carpooled with a group of people who were constantly angry — about their jobs, significant others, and the world in general. It didn’t take long for me to adopt the same attitude. I was already exhausted and frustrated by 8 am every day.
Today if I had to commute, I’d listen to a quick round of uplifting mantras or prayers, just so I can arrive at work grounded and motivated.
Immerse in media that lifts you!
8. Practice Gratitude by Writing Down 3 Things You Are Thankful For
Carving out moments of gratitude in the morning directs your mind to the blessing and abundance already present rather than what’s lacking.
I keep a simple notebook just for logging quick “I’m grateful for…” entries every morning. Sometimes they are deep and heartfelt and sometimes incredibly mundane little details like “the bright yellow mug my cousin bought me.”
But putting even three specifics into writing engages my mind deliberately to seek out the good. I recall so clearly now all the people, opportunities, second chances, and small joys I may have otherwise taken for granted.
Related Post: 25 Things to Be Grateful for In Your Life Instead of Complaining
9. Take a Few Minutes for Inspirational Reading
Before diving into the endless texts, emails, and notifications clamoring for attention, reconnect to your core values through the written word.
Whether reading literary classics, volumes of poetry, or even Harry Potter, consume uplifting content first thing in the morning. Let it wash over you and spark positive thoughts.
I keep my Kindle on my nightstand for this purpose. A quick chapter centers my mood and helps me start the day on a productive note.
Related Post: How to Develop a Reading Habit (10 Tips)
10. Set Positive Intentions or Goals for the Day
Once centered, channel that clarity outwards by defining specific aspirations. Setting even 1-3 intentions for the next 16 hours of wakefulness will give you helpful direction.
I find that noting goals and affirmations in the same journal I use for gratitude keep them on top of my mind.
Remember to keep your intentions reasonable and oriented toward self-improvement rather than focused on outward achievement.
This practice keeps you linked to who you most want to become, leading from your best self.
11. Start Your Day with Exercise or Movement
Wake up your body gently through stretches, dancing, walking — whatever movements fuel you best.
I like starting my days with yoga before breakfast. Maybe you prefer blasting your favorite tunes or you’re an early bird walker who bonds with nature at sunrise.
Get centered in your physical self in the morning, whatever that looks like. By working out anxiety and welcoming endorphins, you can meet the hours ahead from a state of embodiment and energy.
12. Smile, Even If You Have to “Fake It Til You Make It”
Okay, hear me out. I resisted this idea for the longest time. Smiling when I felt crappy seemed not only impossible but silly and disingenuous.
But the science checks out — even forced smiling releases feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine and serotonin. And studies reveal that mood follows expression. So, the act of smiling literally generates matching emotions!
Try it out — commit to a full minute of grinning like you just got wonderful news. Let the corners of your eyes crinkle. This trick can turn around a grumpy morning every time.
13. Encourage Yourself to Take On the Day
Before diving into everything this new day entails, gift yourself a moment of kind reassurance rather than criticism about yesterday. Offer the compassion you would extend to a dear friend feeling unsure.
Speak aloud words that uplift, validate inherent strengths, and relay faith in your abilities even if you’re faking some of that confidence. Phrases like “I have so much to give,” “Others believe in me even when I doubt myself,” or “I deserve to acknowledge how far I’ve already come.”
The truth is — nobody else can help you start your day with a positive mindset — that’s all up to you.
Related Post: 170 Affirmations for Overthinking to Quiet Your Inner Critic
Final Thoughts
As you can see, small shifts make a big difference when it comes to starting your day with a positive mindset.
Whether you wake up a bit earlier, move your body, or speak encouraging phrases out loud — own what works for you. Then, watch optimism compound throughout the rest of your day.
Let me know your thoughts on this post! Thanks for reading.