3 Daily Do’s

It starts the night before…

I lay out my exercise clothes. I find it helps to setup the intention to exercise before my head even hits the pillow. It’s most helpful during those dark and rainy days when I’d much rather stay cozy in my warm bed. Knowing my exercise gear is ready to go gives me one less excuse not to get up and get moving. Even if it’s only a few-minute stretch and a set of lunges down the hallway, I do it.

I drink 8 ounces of water in the am. I usually wake up feeling a bit parched, so I always have a nice big glass of water before I reach for the coffee. Coffee tends to “kill” my appetite for plain old water, and I know I can’t go without hydrating myself. If I skip my morning glass of water, I end up feeling shaky and unfocused with the beginnings of a headache. Water is a simple way to boost my energy (and my health) first thing in the morning and throughout the day.

I eat at least 100 calories within the first 30 minutes of my day. Well, in all honesty, I’m still working on this one. During the week, I have a good routine: I wake up, grab my water, take a 100-calorie shot of peanut (or almond) butter and start my workout. On the weekends, it’s a bit of a different story. I sleep later and move slower. By the time I realize I haven’t eaten my 100 calories, I’ve already been up for two hours. This year, my goal is to eat 100 calories within 30 minutes of waking up – seven days per week.

Doing these three things every day really helps me be at my best, but now that I’m thinking about it, there is one more part of my routine that I wouldn’t think of skipping.

My health-boosting bonus tip

As much as I dislike doing it, I get up twenty minutes earlier than I “need to.” I spend that time being grateful for the beautiful day I am about to have, petting my dog, praying, and setting my intention for the day. After years of “being in a hurry” in the morning, I’ve found that a little wiggle room makes for a more peaceful day – and a less stressed me.   

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