Moving into year two of a global pandemic can feel like we’re living in our very own Groundhog Day. Happiness expert Neil Pasricha joined CTV’s Your Morning to share the daily routines he uses to break out of the monotony of pandemic-living and prioritize his mental health each and every day.

Through a two-minute morning routine and a return to living locally, Neil says this is how people can move from just surviving to thriving in 2022.

Two-Minute Mornings

95% of people start their day by reaching for their phone the moment they wake up. This is a sure-fire recipe for working yourself into a frenzy at the start of each day, Neil said. You are bombarded by outside sources that make money off of rage.

Instead, put down the phone, shut off social media, and jumpstart your day with a two-minute exercise that will help prime your morning so you can win at the whole day, Neil said.

Each morning, grab a piece of paper and pen and journal for two minutes by finishing these three sentences:

1. I will let go of…

For example, Neil said, I will let go of the fact that there are dishes in the sink all the time! Research shows that if you can write down something you will let go of, then it takes that stress and anxiety out of your brain and into the world, leaving you to live your day with more contentment.

2. I am grateful for…

Once you get rid of that thing that is bothering you, Neil said, turn your focus to things you are grateful for. Research shows that if you can write down 10 things you are grateful for in a week, you’re not only happier but also physically healthier. “Writing down gratitudes is a brain curl,” Neil said.

You have to be specific though. Don’t just write down “I am grateful for my dog”, write a reason as to why you are grateful for them. For example, Neil said, I am grateful that my new rescue puppy finally stopped peeing in the laundry room.

3. I will focus on…

The final step is to write down something you will focus on for the day. According to research, we are suffering from decision fatigue. Of course, we are, Neil said, the world is overwhelming right now. So, stick to a to-do list of one! Carve one thing out of your endless could do/should do list that you will complete today. For example, Neil said, I will focus on bringing my car into the shop to finally deal with the oil light that’s been on for three months.

Get Back into Local Hobbies

Monotony is a big issue these days. Break out of this Groundhog Day pattern by getting back into local hobbies, Neil said, like skating, photography, birdwatching, etc.

Nobel Prize winners, Neil said, are 22 times more likely than their peers to have an unusual or weird hobby. Steepen your learning curve and the Groundhog Day effect, he continued, by starting a new hobby today. And make it local so that no matter what the state of the pandemic is day to day, you can still engage in a meaningful activity. Take this opportunity to reconnect with neighbours or reconnect with something just outside your door.

Watch Neil’s full interview here:

New York Times bestselling author Neil Pasricha is one of the most popular TED speakers in the world. He draws on the latest research in happiness to increase individual performance and create a more positive and productive workplace.

Interested in learning more about Neil and what he can bring to your next event as a popular, motivational speaker? Email us at [email protected].