Before I carry on with explaining how the conscious and subconscious minds can either lift us up or put mental barriers in the way, I thought I'd share something that I've been doing for the past few weeks. It's not a miracle cure or provides super powers but is has helped me feel a bit more like I'm in charge of my own life. Give it a go with an open mind, it took me about a week or so to notice that I was less stressed and less reactive, especially on the nightmare drive from Wigan to Moss Side and that alone helps deal with the ups and downs of being a PT right now. Try This Tomorrow Morning: 20 Minutes That Will Change Your Day Before you reach for your phone. Before you check emails. Before you scroll social media. Give yourself 20 minutes. That’s it. Just 20 minutes without the noise. When we wake up and immediately dive into messages, headlines, and notifications, we let the outside world set the tone for our day. Other people’s demands, opinions, problems, and expectations hit us before we’ve even had a chance to think for ourselves. Instead, try this: First 5 minutes — Just breathe. Sit comfortably. No phone. No distractions. Use a simple technique like 4-7-8 breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds Hold for 7 seconds Slowly breathe out for 8 seconds Repeat a few times It calms your nervous system and gives your mind space to wake up gently instead of being jolted into reaction mode. Next — Be present with your morning. Make your coffee or tea. Prepare your breakfast. And actually taste it. Notice the warmth of the cup in your hands. Notice the smell. Slow down enough to enjoy the food instead of rushing through it while staring at a screen. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Then — Gather your thoughts. Ask yourself: What kind of person am I going to be today? How do I want to respond to challenges? What really matters today? Decide your mindset before the world decides it for you. Because once you open that phone, the pressure starts. Messages. News. Expectations. Noise.