5. Eat Something. Healthy.
There’s lots of science and research that talks about making sure you don’t skip the most important meal of the day – breakfast. But more important is WHAT you eat to give you the boost you need. Whether it’s eggs or a fruit smoothie, take five minutes to make something that gives you the energy you need to tackle what’s ahead.
4. Make A List.
I’m a list girl but have gotten out of the habit as the list grew a little overwhelming. You don’t have to make a list of everything you have to do – make one for what has to get done that day. Or that week. Make the list in an order that makes sense for you. You can order the list of actions from easiest to hardest so you can cross two things off quickly (e.g., make dinner reservations, return the teacher’s email…), or make it in order of priority so you don’t get bogged down by the things that don’t have to get done by day’s end.
3. Phone A Friend.
Seriously. You were too frenzied to catch up over the weekend, but pick up the phone by lunchtime to just check in on her weekend. Find out if her child is feeling better or she got the second interview or how her hike went. She’ll appreciate it and you’ll feel better for connecting.
2. Squeeze In Some Exercise.
I am the world’s worst at this, so if you knock it out on Monday you’ll have already crossed something off your list. If you were too busy to get on the treadmill in the morning, then run stairs at your office over lunch or walk across downtown if it’s pretty outside. You don’t have to break into a sweat in your suit to still get moving and feel better about your health and stress level.
1. Practice Thankfulness.
Again, all the science is there. But I have far more practical reasons. You focus on what you choose to focus on. We are so fortunate. We live in a free country and most of us have more than anyone else in the world. You have a cell phone. You have food. You have a roof over your head. You probably have a job. Write it down. Where you can see it. Today, I’m grateful I got to kiss my husband goodbye, jump into a car that has new tires, drive to a job with colleagues I enjoy, and will be able to fix dinner for three very funny preschoolers. There’s a song I used to sing in high school that captures my sentiments about all this, and more, “Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?”
Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo.
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