Ten Steps to Guarantee a Great Morning

First, let me confess. I am a morning person and I hate to feel rushed. You may or may not hate rushing, but it's a fact, you will get up in the morning and your day will follow. When you make a great morning, you make a great day. ONE - Go to bed on time. You need at least eight hours of sleep no matter what you think especially if you are working out in any way, and you are working out, aren't you. See step six. I recommend nine hours. Do the arithmetic. Wake up at 7:00; lights out at ___________? But what about all the great TV you'll miss. First skip TV and watch movies. Second, tape the TV show, watch it later, and have the pleasure of fast forwarding through the ads. TWO - Don't listen to or watch the news before bed. Just before you turn off the lights, read something inspirational. A paragraph will do. THREE - Write no more than five "to do's" that will positively move you closer to being fulfilled and happy. This is a skill in its own right and deserves a full chapter. FOUR - Get up at the same time every day. Yes, even on weekends and vacations. All the sleep research agrees with this one, unless you're an adolescent. Going to bed on time and getting up on time is the primary thing for defeating the panic rush mode. FIVE - Do magic energy breathing before you get out of bed. It will smooth your transition from sleep to alert, calm, awake. Do it thusly: Inhale through the nose for a count of four. Hold for a count of 16. Exhale for a count of eight. Repeat 10 times. Don't effort. If you find it difficult, just let go and start the next breath. SIX - Work out. Do your exercise now. You will feel great all day. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning tend to keep up an exercise program. SEVEN - Eat breakfast. Your mother was right. Get a good dollop of protein add some carbohydrates, and some vegetables. EIGHT - If you leave the house in the morning or others leave you, smooch them and tell them you love them. This makes your day! Studies show spouses who are sent off this way earn more money. Work out the wording you want to hear with your loved ones. Suzanne, my sweetie, used to say something like, "Do great today!" This sounds supportive, but for some reason it felt like pressure. I just want to hear, "I love you." Figure out what you want to hear. NINE - Connect with the sacred. I like to meditate and do Tai Chi in nature. Do what connects you to something larger, more holy than yourself or the commute. TEN - If you use a car, listen to a book on tape instead of the depressing, hyperactive, irritating news. That's it. Do these things and you will be healthy, wealthy, and wise. I guarantee it.