My wife and I have a simple morning tradition: we sum up how we’re doing in a single number. On a scale of 0-100, we tell each other how we’re feeling. This number describes energy, mood, all of it rolled into one score. 100 is the best, though neither of us has ever reported a perfect score.
If she says, “I’m feeling like a 40 today,” I know she’s going to struggle. I’ll do what I can to make her day easier. You know, like take on extra chores, keep the conversation light. It’s probably not the night to suggest going out.
It’s become an amazing tool for supporting each other (that’s what partners are for, right?), but you don’t need to be in a relationship to find it useful. If I know I’m at a 40 or below, I’ll get the important things done early and take it easy the rest of the day. I’ll avoid big decisions and, if I can help it, I probably won’t leave the house much. 😉
With or without a partner, it’s a useful morning self-check for setting your goals for the day.
A common score for me is 70. I can do a lot with a 70! Be productive with work, get my chores done, cook dinner, maybe even socialize in the evening. I’m at a 70 writing this. 7 out of 10 ain’t bad! But I’ve been looking for ways to push that number higher. If 70 is my baseline, how do I get to an 80 or beyond?
Some of it comes down to what you do the night before: eating a healthy dinner, limiting alcohol, setting goals for the next day, getting a full night’s sleep. All of that sets you up for a higher score in the morning. But I’ve also found little things I can do in the morning that give a score a boost, no matter where it starts.
Actually, funny thing, while I was writing this, I got some unexpected Great News, and I felt my score jump from a 70 to an 85 in real time. I was about to write about small morning habits that can lift a score at any level, like getting a few minutes of sunshine and fresh air. But this was a good reminder of just how much the mental side of things can move the energy needle.
That being said, getting a little sun and fresh air in the morning really is a solid way to boost a score. It can help both the physical and mental aspects of a score! Grab your favorite morning beverage and just be outside for a little bit. Even just a few minutes. Other things I’ve noticed that can help: chug some water, show some gratitude, stretch to get the blood flowing, then say something nice about yourself (and mean it). I can usually squeeze out an extra 10 points just from a few small habits like these. I bet you can find your own morning routine that does the same for you. 🙂
Warm regards,
Jimerson Adkins