Hi Valerie!
I've had plenty of mornings where everything feels off right from the start & like spilling coffee on my shirt or getting stuck in unexpected traffic. The first thing I do is take a deep breath and step outside for a quick walk around the block. It clears my head and gets some fresh air into my lungs, which helps shift my mindset almost immediately. For example, last week when my alarm didn't go off and I woke up late, that short walk helped me refocus before diving into work.
Next, I make a quick list of three small wins I can achieve in the next hour, like answering one email or making my bed. This builds momentum without overwhelming me. I also splash cold water on my face or drink a glass of water to hydrate and wake up my system. If I'm really frazzled, I put on some upbeat music for five minutes while I tidy up my space.
These steps usually take less than 15 minutes total and turn the day around for me. They work because they're simple actions that interrupt the negative spiral and remind me I control how I respond. Give them a try next time your day starts rough.
