Starting your day off right.

[Photo Source]

Spending some quiet time this morning with Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee. I learned early on that to be at my best all day, I have to get my mind right in the morning; no wake & dash! Hope YOU have a great start to your day too! — Chandra Jones

Isn’t that the truth? I couldn’t have said it better myself…this woman has it going on.  Chandra is a fitness diva and just happens to be the wife of Dustin’s old trainer, Troy, with the Braves.  She is such a daily inspiration.

Her status was one of the first that I read this morning and it really caught my eye, as do many of her posts.

Days that I actually have make time to enjoy the morning by making a healthy breakfast, spending time reading the word, catching up on e-mails, ect. really makes for a better day. On the other hand, when I wake up 30 minutes before I have to be somewhere, I feel rushed and frazzled the rest of the day.

True for your too? I would imagine so.

Morning is my favorite time of day.  There is something about the calm silence that brings a sense of peace to my being.  On mornings that I don’t have to be somewhere very early, I am able to do all things that I truly enjoy. I am able to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with Dustin, I am able to read for pleasure, I am able to organize my house, and I am able to prepare healthy meals for the day.  I do most of my writing in the morning as well.  All of these things make me happy.

 Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.- Charles Swindoll

If this is true, and I believe so, if we set the tone of our day in the morning, agreeing that no matter what happens throughout our day we will answer all situations with clarity, calmness, organization, and peace, wouldn’t that make for a less stressful life?

I would think so.

I recently read that “stress is related to 99% of all illness.” That really scared me. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I am an easily stressed person, always over the smallest of things. Being married to Dustin has helped me greatly in this department; his stress is close to zero or maybe he’s good at hiding it? But I really don’t think so.

Isn’t it funny that yoga studios are now far more common and popular that gyms? There’s got to be reason behind this, right?

Right. People are stressed.

In order to live the long healthy life that I plan, riding stress from my life is vital.  Choosing to start each and everyday on the right foot is one step in the right direction in avoiding stress.  Choosing to stay positive is key.

So how can we start our day off on the right foot? Here are a few tricks and tips I use to ensure a happy day!

• Drink 2 glasses of water first thing after you wake up; this will help rid toxins, hydrate your cells and refresh your body before anything else goes in.
• Water your flowers; this reminds me to appreciate the smaller beauties of life.
• Read a Bible passage or quote and dwell on it for a few minutes; this helps me keep a clean heart.
• Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee (maker/water prepped the night before).
• Eat a healthy breakfast; this helps me make good choices all day long.
• Think about the things you are grateful for.
• And then it’s off to the races, doing whatever it is that you have to do!

What about you? Are you a morning person? Do you have a routine or are you more of the mad dash type person? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Back to the books I go, 2 more finals!

Good health,