As specialists in RI corporate recruiting and MA corporate recruiting, we work with several busy corporate managers and employees. Many of them tell us things have changed since COVID-19…surprisingly, not all of it is bad news. While we genuinely recognize the trauma and tragedy associated with the Coronavirus, what if there is also a gift within it? What if the Coronavirus, in forcing us to slow down, has given us an opportunity to truly take stock of what is most important. As we emerge from quarantine, what has changed for you and what do you want to leave behind?

Pre COVID, reaching for our phones at the sound of a blaring alarm was routine. Rushing from start to finish on not enough sleep was a bit of a given for many. Post quarantine we have a chance to truly examine how we start the day. Here are four tips to start your day in an optimal way.

Hydrate.
Put a glass of water on your nightstand before you go to bed. When you wake up, start the day with it. After a night of sleep, our bodies need to rehydrate. Don’t wait until you’re caught up in whatever the day may bring. Wake your whole body up and boost your mood by starting the day with this intention. 

Meditate.
Find peace for the day ahead by starting the day with meditation. Meditation can help gain clarity and establish a grounded feeling for the day. Start the day with as little as 3-5 minutes and work up from there. Many people report feeling both calm and empowered by incorporating meditation into their daily morning routine. 

Exercise.
Beginning the day with exercise helps in clearing the mind and setting your mood up in the best way for the day. Oftentimes folks who leave exercise to later in the day find they lose the chance to do so. Exercising can also lead to better sleep starting a “domino effect” of overall health and wellness.  

Working from home now, Andrew Maker, 36, …combats his anxiety by starting each day with a 30-minute run, a perk of not having a two-hour train commute anymore. “The morning workouts aren’t about how many calories I burn. It’s really about getting that chemical structure and endorphins for the day,” Maker said. (Boston Globe, March.)

Gratitude.
Make gratitude a habit. Finding things to appreciate at the beginning of the day ensures you begin each day focusing on something positive. Doing so can help reshape your daily thoughts to a more enjoyable day. Gratitude often builds upon itself. Grab a journal and jot down a few things you’re thankful for each morning. 

As we come out of lockdown, re-emerge with a plan to be less frenzied and more grounded in the way you start your day. Putting back the pieces into our daily life can be intentional. Only pick up the pieces you want to keep. If you’re looking to make a change in your career as we all get back to work, contact us today.