Best Ways To Start The Day
We all know the best start to a new day comes from getting to bed early the night before… but regardless of what time you hit the hay, how can you make the most of a new day?
Here’s some suggestions…
- Time
Give yourself enough time to get up, get ready and get set for the day. Stop making deals with the alarm clock, quit lying in as late as your conscience allows and give yourself the treat of gently getting ready for the day ahead without stressing from the start.
- Hot water and lemon juice
If you’re one of the millions who crawl out of bed swearing to eat properly today, skip the tea and coffee and start the day with a glass of cooled boiled water, with a squirt of zingy lemon instead - an excellent daily detox.
- Dry body brushing
Briskly brushing your body (all motions going towards the heart) before hopping into the shower gets your circulation going and helps soften the skin.
- Eat breakfast
How many times do we hear this, and how many times do we ignore the advice? Typical breakfast foods such as porridge, cereal, toast, orange juice and milk are all excellent foods. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they are also rich in energy-giving carbohydrates, which are released slowly throughout the morning to keep your energy levels up – vital if you have a very busy work schedule with no time for a mid-morning break. If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, grab a banana or a cereal bar as you head out the door.
- Plan ahead
Once you get used to forward planning, it becomes easy. Choose and lay out your clothes the night before, pack those lunchboxes and have them ready to go in the fridge, have your keys, mobile phone and handbag close together. It takes just minutes in the evening.
- Be prepared
Rain or shine, winter or summer, don’t forget the SPF. Make sure your face, neck and hands are covered in factor 15 to keep harsh environmental elements at bay.
- Exercise
Most of us dread it, but fitting a little exercise into your morning regime will really reap benefits. If you can’t manage an ‘organised’ form of exercise such as a trip to the gym or a morning run, don’t despair! Try walking to work/the crèche/the shops, hop off the bus a few stops early or park away from your destination. Your disposition will instantly become sunnier.
- Do the dreaded stuff first!
Every day has its share of ups and downs, but get those jobs that you’re least looking forward to over, and suddenly a day of possibilities opens up. It may be something as simple as hanging out the laundry or making a tough phone call. Just do it!