At the beginning of this coronavirus crisis, I was checking the news as soon as I woke up, checking the news all day long, and looking at it again before going to bed. Not surprisingly, I spent most of my day stressed and anxious.

This past week, I decided to take control and start my day with a new morning routine.

As soon as I wake up, I listen to one podcast and engage with two apps:

• The Daily Refresh podcast – It includes a quote, a gratitude and a breathing exercise in less than 3 minutes
• Insight Timer app – I use the timer and do 10 minutes of meditation
• 5 Minute Journal app – I record 3 things I am grateful for, 3 things I will do to make today great, and a daily affirmation.

The whole routine takes 15 minutes.

I will look at the news later in the day in small chunks, but never before going to bed.

I’ve done this now for 6 days straight and am so much happier. The crisis hasn’t changed, but my daily experience has.

You have control over how you start your day.

Choose to start it with joy.