Starting each day in the right frame of mind can make a huge difference and could leave you feeling positive at the end of the week. Especially during lockdown, it’s so important to try and see something positive in each day, no matter how small. Whether you are working from home, on furlough or attempting to home-school your children, find a little moment at the start of each day that’s just for you.

Each day is a fresh new start, and it’s an opportunity to do something productive, positive or just to relax. With that in mind, here are some tips to make sure each day starts in the best possible way.

Use essential oils

Essential oils are usually helpful with achieving a great night’s sleep, which in turn can have an effect on the next morning. The right essential oils can help you drift off into a relaxing sleep, helping you to wake up the next day feeling refreshed and energised.

Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your pillow before you go to bed, or add them to your evening bath. If you’re feeling creative, add the oil to water and make a room spray for your bedroom.

Lavender essential oil is typically a favourite as it can promote a sense of calm. Other favourite essential oils include vanilla, for a cosy feel, and jasmine which can also promote healthy sleep.

Note, please don’t use essential oils on sore, broken or irritated skin.

Morning affirmations

Adopting a positive mental attitude at the start of everyday can help the rest of your day run smoother. Affirmations are a brilliant way to remember and reinforce the good things about you and your life.

Find a few minutes in the morning where you won’t be interrupted, look in the mirror and first be honest with yourself. How are you truly feeling? If it’s sadness or anger, it’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions. When we feel them we release them. Next tell yourself something that you really need to hear. It could be about anything; whatever will help to lift your spirits for the day ahead. Our affirmation self-care cards are perfect if you’re not sure where to start. Simply shuffle the pack, choose one at random and lead it aloud to yourself.

Set your goals for the day

Making a mental or written note of what you’d like to achieve in the day ahead can help you get there much easier. No matter how big or small it is, so long as it’s challenging but achievable, it can feel great to tick it off at the end of the day.

Don’t be too hard on yourself and try not to make your goals over-ambitious. The last thing you need is to put extra pressure on yourself! Maybe your goal is to drink plenty of water, or perhaps it’s to go on a longer run than you’ve done before.

Whatever it is, set out a plan at the beginning of the day and focus on working towards it.

Get up and move!

Speaking of a long run, getting up in the morning and doing some form of exercise can really help you to liven up for the day ahead. Whether it’s 10 minutes of yoga, a walk, run or workout class, wake up your body and mind before you begin the rest of your day.

While getting up early isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it can kickstart those endorphins and put you in a great headspace to tackle the day ahead.