3 suprisingly simple tips to create a better life

As a Mother to two little boys, business owner, service provider, member of the community (let’s face it I could go on and on with all the hats I wear and I’m sure you can too) life is busy, fast paced and we sometimes tend to put ourselves on the back burner. Change can seem daunting and complex but it doesn’t have to be! You deserve to be working towards the life you want to live and feel good doing it. Here are some simple tips that may seem small but when you start putting one foot in front of the other and you are guaranteed to get results.

Tip #1 Optimize your morning routine

How you begin your day sets the tone for the rest. Ever wake up late and rush around to get ready, frantically jump in the car to get where you need to go only to hit every red light and then spill coffee on your white shirt and just accept that you’re experiencing a “bad day”? Well stop it, you are giving your power away. You may not have control of the events that take place but you absolutely have control over how you prepare yourself and at the very least of how you respond to them. Starting your day from an offensive position is a sure way to make your life run a little smoother.

Start small. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier everyday until you get to where you want to be. I personally need an hour to get myself and children ready to leave the house. In the hour prior I take time to set my intentions for the day… What would I like to accomplish? This gives me direction and when I succeed gives me a nice boost of dopamine. I put something good in my body. I start with a glass of water to get my blood flowing, and depending on the day will have a glass of juice or take herbal supplements. Your body takes care of you, return the favor! Possibly the most important part of my morning routine is practicing gratitude. When I first open my eyes I think of something I am grateful for. It can be anything big or small. This practice alone can change your entire mindset and make an enormous difference in your day.

And when you hit snooze and sleep in go easy on yourself, and try again tomorrow. It may seem difficult to make this change in the beginning but studies show that a new habit takes just 21 days to form. 21 days of commitment to yourself and it will no longer seem like work, I promise.

Tip #2 Hydrate

Yes, one word: Hydrate. I literally encourage every one of my clients to keep on top of their water intake. A sufficient amount per day is half your body weight in ounces. Seem like alot? Let me put it in perspective for you… Every single day I carry around a 24 oz water bottle. And everyday I fill it three times. The trick is get you a water bottle or cup you like and carry it around. If I leave my cup behind there is no way in heck that I’m gonna get my water in and I know this, so it is my ritual to do it and after 21 days… it becomes next to nature.

But why? Well the reaons are endless but I’ll name a few. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. It uses water to maintain it’s temperature, remove waste, and lubricate joints. One common response I hear is “I’ll have to pee all day!” and well… that’s exactley the point. The body flushes out what it doesn’t need and consuming enough water gives this waste a vehicle out! Not to mention the noticeable improvement in the appearance of your skin, the way you feel, and did I mention it can help you lose weight? Drinking enough can help curb cravings and make you feel fuller longer. You may retain water while working on creating this new habit but have no worry, your body will get used to it and thank you soon.

Tip #3 Move your body

Every single day. You don’t have to go crazy and take up bodybuilding or be a yoga expert (unless that’s what your heart desires) to see and more importantly feel better. Not only is this important to your body but your mind, too. When you excercise you stimulate the release of feel good hormones, dopamine and serotonine. Start with 30 minutes of dedicated movement per day and do it intentionally. I used to wait tables and a day at work consisted of four miles running in circles in a restaurant. Those 7 hours on my feet did not compare to taking a 20 minute walk and stretching afterwords. Be intentional. 

Seriously, lose the idea that this is work. When I get off track and let my routine start to slip away this old belief sneaks in that “I don’t have the energy for it”. This couldn’t be further from the truth and in fact exercise provides you with more energy. How much time do you spend scrolling social media or binge watching reruns? Not that those can’t also serve a purpose, but you want a better life right? Use this time to converse with a loved one or reflect on your own inner world or connect with your children. 

And again, if 30 minutes seems like too much, start with ten, even five minutes and work your way up… Just start.

Babysteps will add up and before you know it you will have three healthier and more productive habits that just come natural. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you