I love to think of Easter Sunday as sort of a spiritual restart. Usually the second quarter of the year, this Sunday, Resurrection Sunday (as some call it), is the time that we celebrate the rising of our Savior from the grave…but we also celebrate the sacrifice He made at Calvary for our sins, effectively beginning the dispensation of grace where a sacrifice was no longer required at the temple for pardon.
Just like January 1st is sort of a mental restart for us every year, I feel like Easter Sunday is a time that can be perfect to refresh ourselves holistically (whole body + mind). And thank goodness, God grants us grace for that restart!
Not sure about you, but I can always use a few tips on how to reformat my life so I’m more organized, less frazzled and hopefully, more productive!
Restart. Refresh. Recharge.
What does a restart look like? It’s defined literally as “to start again.” I’ve found myself recently in this weird snooze-fest where I hit the snooze button three times and end up scrambling around the house getting ready for work – no breakfast, no meal prep and no organization – definitely not optimal conditions to start the day. For me, I’ve learned that the following three tips on a restart are created of moments that start my day and keep me focused from my very waking hour.
Jesus Moments
While maybe not the best idea, I do use my phone as my alarm and when that alarm starts going off I grab it, hit snooze (which give me 9 minutes for the next step) and open my Bible app. I love to follow various plans within this app (a few of my favorites here, here and here) and also just do some general reading for the morning and sets my day in the right tone. This way, I start with Jesus…and I usually do a separate time of devotion at night as well.
Start slow here – maybe it’s enough to just wake up an extra ten minutes earlier than you normally do…that’s ok! Next week do another ten minutes. Before you know it, you’ll have reclaimed your mornings and you’ll enjoy the time you’ve built in to spend time with Jesus and also start your day with a bit calmer of an atmosphere.
*another tip is to change your alarm tone to a song you like from your music library. It’s a happier start than a jarring cowbell or harp!
Money Moments
This is a tip I learned from my time using LearnVest as a financial advisor – do a daily money minute. I promise, with automated banking these days you never know how quickly/late or accurate the payments might be coming out of your account and it’s amazing what you can learn just taking ONE minute and scrolling through the last couple day’s activity on your bank account. You can use the free LearnVest app, Mint (from Intuit) or just clicking on your personal banking mobile app and accessing your account that way. (If your credit cards aren’t linked to this account I highly recommend checking in on them too!)
*also, if you’re looking for another way to track your budget – Hannah Brencher has these handy-dandy budget sheets – totally recommend them!
Nutrition Moments
According to the experts, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give you a boost in the morning of all the essentials to keep you focused, it also resets your metabolism for the day. Start with some oatmeal and fruit, protein shake or even a healthy smoothie (with added protein of course)…or, if you have the time, go for an egg special breakfast! (Just recently made this frittata and it’s so easy and delicious!)
Also, check in on your steps, whether you actually use wearable tech (Jawbone up, Fitbit, etc.), or you just use your phone to track your exercise (Nike Run+, Kayla Itsines, Health app, etc) and maybe keep a daily log of what you’re consuming via MyFitnessPal. Ultimately, our health isn’t about weight, it’s about feeding our bodies the right nutrients to sustain optimal mental and physical health.
Ultimately, let me say this: God gives us grace for the restart in every season of our lives.
If you’re struggling getting up in the morning? He gives more grace.
If you’re having a hard time meeting Jesus when you get up? He gives more grace.
“But he gives more grace…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Resist the devil and He will flee from you.
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you…”
(James 4:6-8)