1. MAKE THE BED
OK, so everyone has heard this over + over again but there are a ton of reasons why we should make the bed everyday {check out Buzzfeed’s list here.} Like brushing our teeth every morning, making the bed is an important piece of starting the AM off on the right track {other than a giant cup of coffee of course}. When we do things out of habit it almost negates the idea of “intentional” living because we’re doing things on autopilot but when we incorporate habits into our routine that have a positive effect on the whole day, we are intentionally adding them to build self-confidence by way of small accomplishments. And let’s face it, we’re adults + SHOULD be making our beds anyway.
2. DRINK MORE WATER
We have also heard why drinking water first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else, is so important. We are made up of mostly water + our body craves it constantly. By depriving our body of water for 6-8 hours at night it affects our entire system. Rehydrating in the morning with a tall glass of water + lemon gives an instant boost to our metabolism + gets things Moving {if you know what I mean!} But don’t save water just for the morning routine, be sure to drink throughout the day, too. If you need to set an alarm to drink a glass every hour, then do it until your sugary drinks have been replaced by water drinking habits. If you need a pick me up throughout the day, before heading for that cup of coffee in the afternoon try downing a tall, cold glass of ice water with lemon {although room temp water is recommended for overall digestive ease} for an instant refreshing boost. Then have that cup of coffee….if you need it!
Photo: Eat Yourself Skinny
3. THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION
Prayer, yoga, walking in the woods: whatever it is you need to do to clear your head of unnecessary “noise”, do it. I have a ton of anxiety that builds up over the littlest things + prayer or Bible readings are the only thing that can recenter my mind + make me realize there is so much I can’t control but it’s OK because I’m not meant to. Giving up that power of feeling like I should always be in control to a higher being is liberating, not weakening. We can’t control the actions of other, only our own + how we react to circumstances…that is the limit of our control.
Take time to reflect on your surroundings whether in nature, at home or at work + tune into your feelings. Are your surroundings causing anxiety or do they foster a sense of calm + focused attention? Take inventory of your body, state-of-mind + surroundings {people + dwellings} and figure out what it is you need to let go of in order to truly be happy, successful and reduce stress + negativity in your life.
4. WORK IT OUT
Be active as often as possible. Obviously it’s important to give our body rest but often times when you feel like you can go back to bed ,even after a full night’s sleep, it means that your body actually needs to move. A quick walk is sometimes all it takes to get that energy back.
Exercise also requires you to pay attention to your body to avoid injury. Yoga + Pilates are especially helpful at forcing full body awareness: where your weight should be shifted, how you should be breathing, which muscles should be contracting + relaxing, etc. Practicing mindful exercise along with cardio to boost endorphins can help alter your state-of-mind incredibly fast.
If you find yourself frustrated or sluggish during work or even at home with the kids, go for a quick walk around the block. When the kids are going insane I throw on their shoes, load the baby in the stroller + we all take a walk around the neighborhood. Fresh air, sunlight {even on a cloudy day} + the simple act of walking make it an instant mood booster for all of us!
Photo: The Berry
5. KEEP LIFE MANAGEABLE
Don’t bite off more than you can chew sounds easier than it is to implement. One way to simplify your day is to make a list of the three most important tasks that need to be completed each day + focus on them; anything after that is a bonus. Listing items in a ranking fashion forces you to think about the tasks at hand but also makes you realize not everything needs to be done right now. Prioritizing puts the power back into your hands + limits the sense of being overwhelmed when you realize other things can wait.
However, constant procrastination {one of my biggest downfalls for certain tasks} is one way to ensure life begins to feel overwhelming. From forgetting to paying bills on time to not cleaning the bathroom, these things pile up and cost more money + time later down the road, not to mention having an outstanding task leaves constantly in your thoughts which doesn’t allow you to focus on other things clearly. Take time each day to complete a small task that you have been putting off + gradually build up to bigger projects.
6. GIVE MORE
Whether it’s volunteering or simply making it a point to be more present {both physically + mentally} for your family, when you give up part of yourself to serve others it is so intrinsically rewarding that it can change a negative mindset + foster a sense of purpose. You begin to notice that you are wanted + needed, that maybe your own life isn’t so hard and there are many blessings that you may have taken for granted. Money is easy to give; time, attention + being thoroughly grateful is much more difficult to devote but a million times more rewarding + meaningful.
Photo: Pinterest
7. COMMUNICATE
This element of successful human interaction seems to be lacking in quality + quantity in our current society. Talking with others in a respectful + focused way is the most important part of building meaningful + healthy relationships and healthy relationships lead to a more stable lifestyle. Social media fosters doing things on impulse vs. offering meaningful responses or opinions. We should all make it a point to practice self-control, well thought out responses + empathy when dealing with others both on social media + in real life.
I am a firm believer in leading by example + being the change you wish to see. There is no leg to stand on if you are not living what you’re preaching. The art of communication + voicing to others what we need to have healthy relationships has fallen by the wayside in homes, the workplace + even out in public. It’s time to start talking to our spouses, kids, family, friends…and REALLY listening to what they have to share. At minimum, we should always communicate, “Thank You”, “You’re Welcome” + “I love you”!
What are some intentional acts you incorporate into your day + how do they help to shape a better you?