Every Monday I wake up and I’m inspired for a fresh start. However, it usually looks like this:
6:30 Alarm Goes Off “In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room…” (yeah, that’s my alarm ringer) SNOOZE
6:45 Alarm Goes Off “In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room…” SNOOZE
7:00 Alarm Goes Off “In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room…” Blindly reach for the iPhone, attach my thumb to the Touch ID and sigh loudly. It’s time to get up, because I now have 30 minutes to get ready and be out the door.
“What can I bring for lunch?” “Did I lay out my clothes last night?” “Forget lunch, what’s for breakfast?” “Do we have any protein bars?”
And the inner monologue goes on and on and on…Sound familiar to anyone or am I alone in this?
I think you can understand when I say that I’m ready for a true Fresh Start on Monday mornings. I have started some new habits that I’m pretty proud of, and that are advised by the illusive “they” we always talk about.
1. Prep for the morning the night before. Lay out your clothes, take a peek in the refrigerator for something you can eat in the morning and pack for lunch. Maybe slice up those apples and cucumbers…five minutes of prep the night before is better than ten minutes looking and prepping when you’re running late.
2. Eat Breakfast. I know, it seems like I’m all about food, but it’s so important to eat breakfast. It keeps your metabolism going,and also give you energy for all day. Eat it. It’s good for you. It’s the most important meal of the day.
I’ll be honest and say this one is tough for me – I have three new recipes that I want to make, perhaps with a few healthier tweaks and maybe some added whey protein to bulk them up. They would be quick and easy for breakfast and/or snacks throughout the day too!
Sweet Potato Energy Bites – No Bake Energy Bites – Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bites
3. Give Yourself Extra Time . Yes, I know. I just told you time-saving tricks, yet I’m telling you to give yourself some extra time? Five minutes of peace in the morning, be it stretching, reading your Bible or another restful book, looking out the window, savoring a cup of tea – anything – will help you start your day on the right foot. Do you live with family or roommates? Have a quick chat. Start your day with something other than emails, texts and social media. Get it on the right foot, not the rushed one.
I want to hear from you – what makes your morning feel like a fresh start and less like a frenzied sprint? Leave a note in the comments!
photos via a beach cottage
Additional Resources: I need a fresh start – Night-time Ritual