something you do every day, starting small can help you adapt to the idea of eating in the morning.
Social media and upward social comparison (comparing yourself to others) can discourage people from wanting to do or try new things. I tell my creative friends all the time: the act of starting is sometimes the hardest step, but it’s also the most important step. Start small with fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, smoothies or even just granola bars. Anything to get those essential nutrients and something in your stomach. Now let’s not get started on eating three meals a day.
RELATED: Gratitude Journaling Made Easy!
4. Journal + Express Gratitude
I will admit that I am extremely biased when it comes to the topic of journaling or just writing in general. There are SO many benefits of writing, even if you don’t think you are the best writer. Growing up in a Black home where depression wasn’t “real” and in a family that didn’t discuss our problems, journaling became my best friend and even saved my life many times.
Journaling is the art of writing down your experiences, problems, feelings, thoughts, and whatever else may be on your heart or mind. Some of the benefits of journaling include strengthening communication skills, reducing anxiety and stress, establishing self-awareness, organizing your thoughts, and aiding how you process trauma and emotion on a regular.
There are also many different types of ways to journal. Though I prefer my classic journal, there are also bullet journals, travel journals, prayer journals, dream journals, poetry journals, manifestation journals, and fitness journals. The list goes on! There is truly something for everyone.
I always recommend journaling to my friends, even if it’s just writing out their thoughts on a piece of paper to throw away. This can be and usually is very personal. Taking the time to process things, talk to yourself, listen to your thoughts, acknowledge how you feel and put it on paper is a lot, but it is an amazing way to release your feelings and face reality. I like to think of it as a way to talk directly to God. I value and practice journaling so much that it is a large part of my day-to-day life. I often journal in the morning, throughout the day (if I’m really overwhelmed), and before bed to clear my thoughts. If you haven’t tried journaling before, I highly recommend trying it.
Again, starting is the first step, no matter how small it is. There is no right or wrong to express yourself through writing. This can be as simple as writing 1 to 5 things you’re grateful for every morning. Practicing gratitude can help you develop healthier habits both mentally and spiritually.
RELATED: Gratitude is Good Medicine! How Being Grateful Can Heal
5. Claim a Positive Affirmation
It is very important to watch how we speak to ourselves and the things we speak about. Claiming or reciting a positive affirmation in the morning may seem meaningless, but it can truly go a long way. Positive affirmations are phrases or statements that encourage, challenge, inspire, and create positive changes.
Here are some of my favorite affirmations as a Black college student:
- I am where I’m supposed to be.
- I am worthy of forgiveness for my mistakes.
- I love myself enough to take advice from others.
- I am capable of achieving my goals.
- I will not settle for less than the best from myself or others.
Taking time out of your morning to feel grounded and speaking positivity into your day can be just what you need. If you are busy, always behind schedule, or simply need reassurance, claiming positive affirmations are for you!
The goal of this article is to acknowledge that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Mornings can seem dreadful and chaotic, but that doesn’t mean that’s how they should remain. If you don’t like something in your life, make the adjustment. Appreciate the ability to wake up, express gratitude and pour into yourself. Your morning can truly impact how you will perceive the rest of your day.
By Alivia Duncan
Speak Up! Ambassador
Clark Atlanta University
Major: Mass Media/Communications/PR
IG: @brownsugaababee