How I Get My Day Off on the Right Foot

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The new year is coming and that's when you're going to get bombarded with all of the turning over a new leaf kind of crap that gets overwhelming.  You could pick up a new habit or two now to go into the new year with and wouldn't that be nice to feel like you have a jump on things?  I get on and off the habit train more than I should.  I have my periods of doing really well with something and then life gets in the way and a few days off becomes a few weeks.  I remember one year, I thought I had the whole water thing nailed finally...I didn't.  I wish I were one of those people who leaps out of bed ready to tackle the day and be productive but I haven't leapt out of bed in probably 10 years.  However, there are habits that I do now or have done in the past that always ensure I start my day off in a better mindset.  This list is somewhat to serve as a reminder to myself but since you're here, you might as well read along too.  😉

Hydrate

Apparently you lose about a pound of water every night through sweat, breathing, etc and you've likely gone 6-8 hours without drinking anything.  The first thing on your list should be hydrating and you can do that before you even get out of bed.  I have this water bottle on the nightstand that I refill every night so I can take my morning pill.  But if I chug 10x I can have a third of it down, wait 10 minutes and do it again then be done after a few chugs the third time.  It wakes up the digestive tract and gets you rehydrated for the day.  I always feel better when I do it and I have a head start on my water intake for the day.

Dry brushing

Something about whipping off some old cells and stimulating the lymph system says 'get up, fool!'  You should always use a natural bristle brush and there are a bazillion YouTube videos but this one is for medical and not vanity's sake and has the most information.

File dem feets!

I don't know about y'all but with all of the walking we've been doing and just exercise in general, my feet look like caveman feet.  Like I swear I look like I've crossed lava fields in Hawaii and sometimes they feel that way too.  A quick foot file on the bottom followed up by some urea cream will keep your feet feeling like a human being again.  (Plus using the cream every morning or night will mean you have to file less!  Bonus!)

(I hope you have a vacuum handy after dry brushing off and filing off your dead skin!)

Moisturize

Whether it's cold weather season when your skin is naturally drier or warmer months, moisturizing your skin is important.   If I want a light scent that isn't too overwhelming, this is my go to or if I need to keep it fragrance free, you can't go wrong here.  For those times when hand washing is making your knuckles red and cracked, I've always counted on Eucerin to help bring me back from the brink though it does take a bit to soak in so don't go typing or trying to use your phone anytime soon after applying.  (It's also a good one to apply to your feet before bed too and put on a pair of socks.)  Don't forget to apply a good moisturizer to your face after you splash some water on it.  This is one of my faves.

Listen to a fun, dancey song

I always forget just how much of a good mood this puts me in and I'll usually listen while doing the above.  Cloudspotter or You Should Be Dancin' by Foo Fighters?  Don't mind if I do!  If I'm feeling particularly crappy about myself, this cheesefest does the trick.  If I want something that'll make me move like I'm 20 years younger and regret it in several hours, this number makes me want to jump around.  Make a playlist of 31 of your favorites then you won't repeat for a month.

Get the blood pumping

I don't mean do your workout if morning workouts aren't your thing (raising hand) but do a compound movement for at least a minute.  For example, do speedbags or overhead reaches while marching in place or front kicks.  When your minute is up, do a few twists side to side so you can loosen up your back and hips for 30 seconds then spend 30 seconds touching your toes.  Don't force the move just let your body hang and you'll feel your muscles elongating under their own weight.  If you prefer, break out the yoga mat and get your sun salutations on.

Eat breakfast without screens

I try to make a point to eat breakfast without computer screens on and maybe put on some kind of jazz or soft music to just keep myself on an even keel.  Everything is so rushed and breakfast seems to be that one meal that I don't have much pressure on and I like to enjoy it with a nice cup of tea.  I know everything after that point will be more frazzled so I try to give myself that time before the day gets underway.   (I admit, if a new episode of House Hunters International (which should just be renamed to House Hunters Australia) is on, I might have it on in the background once or twice a week.  But I tend to find 83% of the people too annoying to listen to and fast forward to the recap at the end.)

How do you make sure your day gets off on the right foot?  Any morning rituals?

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