5 Ways to Start Your Day Right

Nobody likes waking up on the wrong side of bed. Your mornings usually dictate how the rest of your day will go, so it's always a good idea to start it on a happy note. Never mind that you’re having a bad hair day or your alarm clock didn't go off again (or perhaps you snoozed it one too many times)—brush off the bad juju and follow these tricks to boost your morning mood.

1. Don't skip breakfast. A dose of healthy carbs and protein may be just what you need to kick start your day. Give yourself a caffeine jolt too! According to research, a moderate amount of caffeine elevates mood and mental sharpness.

2. Take a leisurely walk or jog outside. Getting some air and sunshine will help relax your mind and body. In a recent study, participants noted that they recovered from a stressful situation more quickly after listening to the sounds of Mother Nature (e.g. birds chirping, running water).

3. Meditate and tell yourself it's going to be a good day. Ever heard of The Secret? By focusing on the positive and believing that you're going to have a good day, chances are you will. Lynn Louise Wonders, LPC, RPT-S, RYT, a psychotherapist and yoga teacher, suggests taking five minutes to pay attention to your body and notice if you feel any stiffness, then do some light stretching while breathing deeply.

4. Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate. Seriously, chocolate makes everything better. Not only is it delicious, but it also helps improve your mood and level of alertness. Counting calories? Ditch the sugar and take it with low-fat or skim milk.

5. Smile. As the song goes, you're never fully dressed without a smile. "Smiling is a simple way to change your mood—and the mood of those around you, too," notes psychologist Dr. Robyn McKay, PhD. So show off your beautiful smile and have an amazing day, Cosmo girls!

Source: WebMD