Four Ways to Happier Days

I am not what you would call 'a morning person', and Mondays are especially hard. Adding simple things to our morning routine can make for a better wake up call and better days ahead.

//1// Stop hitting snooze.

Set two alarms, on in your bedroom and one in your bathroom. Set them for ten minutes apart. Having two alarms in separate room will keep you from repeated snoozes, but still gives you ten minutes of extra rest before you have to get up and turn off the second alarm.

//2// Open the curtains.

Light helps regulate melatonin, the hormone that tells our bodies when to wake and when to sleep. Leave the curtains or blinds cracked open when going to bed. This will  let the sunlight stream in in the morning, and you'll natural start to come out of sleep. If you have windows in your bathroom, open those curtains/blinds while you get ready for work. If you don't head to work, open up the window dressing of the rooms you will be spending the most time in.

//3// Exercise.

If you can get to the gym to start your day - great! But most of us can't or won't. Try simple stretches and exercise while your coffee is brewing and before your shower. Morning exercises can help improve your metabolism, improve focus and mental ability, and increase energy.

//4// Eat breakfast.

It's easy to skip breakfast as we're running out the door. Making time to grab breakfast in the morning can help with weight control,  help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, help maintain blood glucose levels and control cravings throughout the day. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, whole grain breads, low-fat cheese, and hard boiled eggs are all healthy choices for a grab and go breakfast.

HAPPY MONDAY!