What if I told you that by taking a few steps, you could eliminate tons of stress and feel like a million bucks all day long? Here are some easy things you can do every morning and even the night before to help the rest of your day feel calmer and run smoother!
Every successful event requires planning. This is true about each day of your life. A calmer morning and a productive day start with a little preparation the night before. Lay out tomorrow’s clothes. Make nutritious choices beforehand. Prepare an easy breakfast like cut fruit, whole grains or a smoothie and store it in the fridge with tomorrow’s lunch. Jot little reminders and encouraging mantras on post-its and stick them on the fridge or bathroom mirror.
Even before you climb out of the sack, make sure to stretch and limber up your body and mind. Extend your arms over your head and to your toes. Bring your knees to your chest and do hip-overs to stretch lower back. Take stock of your body by checking for aches and pains and areas that are overly tight. Take a couple of minutes to this and make sure to breathe deeply on each stretch.
Hitting the snooze button on your alarm and rolling over ruefully is no way to tackle an important day. Instead, get up 10-15 minutes earlier, turn on the coffee, check the weather, feed the cat, and get going without feeling pressured for time.
Avail yourself to a hearty breakfast every day you can. It will fuel you with the energy to surmount any hurtle or challenge that comes your way. Eating well each morning also increases mental sharpness and focus. It even improves your mood and prevents you from getting cranky and short with cronies and clients. Fill your tummy with fresh fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein.
There’s no better way to get those feel good endorphins pumping than to commence your day with exercise. It may not be realistic for you to get to the gym for a full workout, but you can still walk or do a few laps in the pool. Try a 5- minute routine that includes some push-ups, crunches, or a few yoga poses.
Stress weighs heavily upon most of us, but why not take a more positive approach to life? Utilize a few moments each morning to think of someone or something that makes you happy and grateful. Call or text friends to say thanks or share a laugh.
Tom Bonanti is a certified fitness trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility Pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com to set up an appointment today.
