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Wake Up On The Right Side Of The Bed

by Chris Assaad on September 24, 2011

Good morning sunshine! One of the most amazing things about life is that every day we get a fresh start. The catch is that it’s up to us to turn a new leaf every day and that begins the moment we open our eyes.

What is the first thing you think about right when you wake up? I know for me, there are days where it seems I am actually woken up by mental activity that seems to have started before I was even fully awake! It could be worrying about all the things I have to do that day or remembering some unresolved issue from the day before. Some mornings, I’m rolling over and reaching for my phone to check messages before I’ve even had a sip of water or taken a conscious breath.

When we don’t take the time to center and nurture ourselves and consciously direct our thoughts before going out into the world, that’s what it means to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. As our day unfolds, there are so many things that can throw us off and it’s important to be ready for all of it, to choose our state of being on purpose and to get ourselves in the best space to make the most of the day ahead. Once we do that, then we’re much better equipped to take advantage of the opportunities of a new day and to face any challenges that come up.

The way to wake up on the right side of the bed is simple: establish a self-nurturing morning practice and stick to it wherever you are. All you need to do is set aside 15 minutes of time for your body, mind and spirit before you do ANYTHING else.

It starts as soon as you wake up. Before your mind has a chance to run away on you, before you get caught up in the happenings of the outside world, take a few deep breaths, feel your body, smile and acknowledge the gift of being alive and the promise of a new day. Here are some suggestions of things to include in your morning practice:

  • For your Body: drinking water, stretching, breathing exercises.
  • For your Mind: Journaling, affirmations, gratitude list.
  • For your Spirit: Meditation, chanting, praying.

Of course, these are just some of my favorites and it’s up to you to tailor your practice to your own preferences and needs. If you need some guidance, seek out a teacher or someone who has experience in the area you are interested in to help get you started. The more you get into these practices and expand your morning ritual, you may want to give yourself more time but 15 minutes is a great way to start.

So make the most of the gift of each new day and begin consciously choosing your state of being as soon as you open your eyes to ensure that you wake up on the right side of the bed and get your day off to the best start possible!

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Chris Assaad is a rad singer/songwriter and a TDL reader. Check out his website here.

  • Tiffany

    you are one of my favorite TDL writers!  I look forward to reading what you write every week as it seems to be dead on what I need to hear!!
    thank you!

    • http://twitter.com/ChrisAssaad Chris Assaad

      Thanks Tiffany! It’s amazing how we’re all connected and how the Uni-verse delivers the exact message we need to hear. Much l0ve :)

  • Donna

    Paragraph 2 really hit home for me, and your advice is well taken. Thank you.

  • Hi

    Wow…really good advise…i will follow this..THANKS! Your messages always speak to me!

  • Hatem231132

    great advice

  • Melissa Pruitt

    i, too, find myself checking my phone first thing when i wake up.  NO MORE!! this is great advice and i just wrote in down in a journal to keep by my bed. thank you for the wonderful advice

    • http://twitter.com/ChrisAssaad Chris Assaad

      Amazing Melissa! Writing things down is definitely a great way to make them stick. I’m with you on that one. For the next 30 days, I’m committing to doing my full morning practice before checking my phone . It helps to leave it in another room! All the best with it :)

  • Nukrisgo322

    This is lovely – thanks!  It’s something I need to do.  Question: do you have advice for fixing a bad morning practice: right now I get up, drink coffee, and watch reality tv.  It stresses me out because I am a mornign person so I should get to my work right away, but sitnead I sit on my tush and watch tv for too long.  Do you have advice for forcing myself to do a healthier morning routine, like the one you recommend?

    • http://twitter.com/ChrisAssaad Chris Assaad

      Rather than see it as forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do, consider that you would be taking on a morning practice that is more self-loving and nurturing. Commit to doing any of the recommended practices from the blog that speak to you for 30 days, stick with it and see how you’re feeling. Hope that helps :)

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  • http://www.innerblissblog.com Alia

    Thank you for such an important reminder, Chris. A while ago, I started a little practice of asking “how may be of service today?” as I wake up. It really shifts the energy of my morning. Your articles always hit home for me. 

    • http://twitter.com/ChrisAssaad Chris Assaad

      Thanks for sharing that Alia. It’s a beautiful question and a great way to start the day :)

  • Kirafab

    This is sooo true, but it’s hard when you have someone living with you who don’t practice this so they don’t understand why you need a moment to center yourself. It’s somewhat frustrating. But I have faith that either on day he will get it or I will be with someone who does.

    • http://twitter.com/ChrisAssaad Chris Assaad

      Exactly. All you can do is continue to nurture yourself and the person you’re with will grow to understand by being with you or you will grow apart. Wishing you all the best :)

  • http://justaonegirlrevolution.com mindy

    This is awesome. I’m so terrible about sleeping as late as I can before I *have* to get up – then rushing around gets my day off on the wrong foot. I need to be more intentional about these sorts of activities.

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