Morning Mindfulness

-
How we wake up and start the day can greatly impact how the rest of our day goes. If you're looking for some way to start your day off more relaxed and mindful, try adding these into your routine!


 1.) First Sounds
Starting off the day with a loud alarm that makes you tense is a startling way to start the day. Instead, choose an alarm with soothing noises - chimes, bells, or relaxing music. This will allow you to slowly adjust from sleep to being alert.

2.) Hydrate Before Coffee
When we wake up, our bodies are dehydrated. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee first thing, try drinking a glass of water, then move onto the coffee or tea.

3.) Observe Nature
Instead of reaching for technology first thing, go outside and take in the sky or trees. Watch the sunrise while you sip your coffee or tea. Then move on to start your day.

4.) Get Ready the Night Before
Instead of rushing around in the morning, try packing your lunch, organizing your work bag, and setting out your clothes for the next day. This will allow you to have a more relaxed morning!

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 24, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    First sounds - great idea!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. sharonieJuly 25, 2017 at 8:22 AM

    Number 4 would be a game changer for me!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SharonJuly 26, 2017 at 8:22 AM

    Getting ready the night before would be a great time saver. It just seems I don't have the time the night before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sharonieJuly 26, 2017 at 12:27 PM

      I struggle with this as well!

      Delete
    2. MOB61July 26, 2017 at 2:17 PM

      We hear you. Not enough hours in the day. I get the coffee ready the night before so I can just turn it on in the morning. Also, I put my bag and computer by the door so I can just grab it and run! You don't have to do it all-maybe just one small thing will make the morning rush go easier.

      Delete
  4. Kathryn GuareJuly 28, 2017 at 8:15 AM

    I need to get back to some of these! I'm always happier if I don't feel rushed in the morning. One thing I found helpful (although it works better in the winter when you have a better idea about the weather) is to pick out all my outfits for the week on Sunday and arrange them in order on the clothes rack. Otherwise, I lose up to 10 minutes just staring at my closet! The challenge is remembering to do it :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. MOB61July 28, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    What a great idea! I agree I stand at the closet in the morning half asleep. I find a post it on my clock or bathroom mirror has helped me remember. Also a reminder in my phone calendar.

    ReplyDelete
  6. DianaJuly 30, 2017 at 9:28 PM

    Getting the clothes ready for the week is one I should try. I will admit to spending time in the closet looking for what to wear on any given day. I've been trying the glass of water before my coffee and it has helped!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. MOB61August 1, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    Thanks for sharing. IT's amazing that something as simple as water can help with so much!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eustress: The Good Stress

-
Image
  Eustress and stress are two distinct types of emotional and physical responses, although they share common roots in the body's reaction to challenges. Stress, in its broader sense, refers to the body's response to demands or threats, triggering the "fight or flight" response. While this response can be helpful in survival situations, prolonged exposure to stress without relief can lead to negative consequences like anxiety, depression, and health issues such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Eustress, on the other hand, is considered positive stress. It occurs when a person faces a challenge that they perceive as within their abilities to handle and that they find motivating. Eustress often leads to personal growth, enhanced performance, and satisfaction. For example, starting a new job, preparing for a competition, or planning a wedding can induce eustress. It energizes individuals, pushing them to rise to the occasion and often leads to feelings of accompli
Read more

How to Build a Low Cost Home Gym

-
Image
So many of us wish we could get more use out of our gym memberships, but with hectic lives and unpredictable schedules, it's not always so easy. If you find it too hard to get out of your house every day for a workout, why not bring the gym to you? Creating a gym in your home can save time and money -- there's no need to own the same heavy, expensive equipment found at a standard gym. You may be surprised at how easy it is to tailor a home gym to fit you personal needs. All you need are a few tangible pieces and a motivational vibe! Below are five necessities to start building your home gym. Atmosphere: Think about what you like most about the gym and figure out how to bring some of that atmosphere to your own space. If natural light is a must have for you, find a space upstairs with great windows to create the look you want. If you like to watch TV while you sweat, set up your gym in a room that has screen access. Need a little visual motivation? Try something simple like
Read more

Developing a Workout Routine

-
Image
Developing a routine when working out is important for achieving fitness goals and protecting your body from injury. Below are some tips and tools on developing the perfect workout routine. Use these tips to customize a workout routine that works for you! Tip 1: Consistency Building a strong fitness routine does not happen overnight. You must develop a process and work at it regularly. Decide how many days you are going to work out each week and commit to fitting it into your schedule. Tip 2: Recover Your muscles need time to recover to completely benefit from your physical efforts. When creating your routine, make sure there are days for rest! You do not have to remain completely inactive on recovery days. Long walks, light yoga and casual swimming are all things that get your body moving while still allowing time for your muscles to recoup. Tip 3: Variety Consistency is important when you are thinking about duration and frequency of exercise. Variety is import
Read more

Understanding Diabetes and Blood Sugar

-
Image
  Preventing Diabetes In many cases, diabetes is a preventable disease.  This means that by making lifestyle changes we can improve quality of life. Aim to start small with manageable improvements to what you are already doing and build from there. Dietary changes include eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, consuming more fruits and vegetables. Beverages matter too!  Aim to drink more water and avoid sugary drinks. Physical activity is also important; the CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate level exercise and 2 strength building sessions over the course of a week. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, aim to work more movement into your day wherever possible, like parking farther from your destination and going downstairs to use the bathroom. Try different types of exercise to find the ones that are most enjoyable to you or make activity social by inviting friends. Prediabetes & Diabetes Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they usually have prediabetes. This means bloo
Read more

Preventing Heart Disease: Healthy Living Habits

-
Image
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack. Find out if you are at risk by getting an annual exam and learning your numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. You and your health care team can work together to prevent or treat medical conditions that lead to heart disease. If you take medication to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Discuss your treatment plan regularly and bring a list of questions to your appointments and ask if you don’t understand something.           By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. A healthy lifestyle includes the following: Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of f
Read more

Cozy Fall Recipe

-
Image
  As the weather gets cooler, look for ways to stay warm and cozy! Try this heart-healthy take on Butternut Squash Soup. Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil or another heart healthy oil 2 medium shallots (chopped) Garlic cloves, minced 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups) 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 2 teaspoons minced, peeled gingerroot 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper (coarsely ground preferred) 1/3 cup fat-free half-and-half 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg Directions Heat the oil in a pressure cooker on sauté. Cook the shallots for 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off the pressure cooker. Stir in the squash, broth, gingerroot, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Turn off the pressure cooker. Remove the pressure cooker lid. Allow the soup to cool slightly. Working in batches, transfer the
Read more

Functional Movements for Winter Prep

-
Image
Functional Movements that prepare the body for winter are key to maintaining strength, mobility, and injury prevention, especially for activities like shoveling snow, walking on ice, or skiing. These movements enhance overall fitness while targeting muscles and joints often used during colder months. Squats: Strengthening the legs, hips, and core, squats mimic the action of lifting and bending required for shoveling snow or getting up after a fall.  Deadlifts: Deadlifts prepare the back, hamstrings, and glutes for heavy lifting, such as moving snow or carrying winter gear. They teach proper bending technique, reducing strain on the lower back. Try these other exercises that incorporate proper bending technique without weight . Lunges: Forward and reverse lunges build leg strength and stability, improving balance on slippery surfaces. They also engage the core and glutes, which are crucial for walking in snow or uneven terrain.  Core exercises (Planks, Pointer Dogs): A strong core pro
Read more