If you're like me, you're looking forward to finally saying goodbye to Winter and givin' a shout-out to SPRING!!! It seems as if all of nature does a reboot and comes to life after laying dormant all Winter long. Maybe "hibernation" during the past months has left you feeling groggy, tired and unmotivated, even if your coffee cup is on "constant refill mode". All the while, bathing-suit season looms large in the mind and the inner panic is beginning to set-in. This time of year always makes me feel like giving myself a personal jump-start and my sticking point always is the same...having Energy! I thought I would share a few of my personal "reboot" tips, to re-energize the body, refresh the spirit and renew the mind. I live by one rule when it comes to this stuff... KEEP IT SIMPLE! If it's not simple I'm not going to do it, so the energy-boosters listed below will be just that... Simple!
Let's get energized!
Let's get energized!
1. Drink, Drink, Drink!
Our bodies need about 8 glasses of water a day. I know, that sounds like a lot liquid and with the crazy-busy of life remembering to drink water isn't on the top of your list but you will feel fuller, have more energy and your skin will look less like a prune and more like a peach if you drink! I like to sit a mason jar of water on the counter, when I've filled it up 3 times then I know I've had what I need to hydrate my body for the day. Cheers to more energy and less wrinkles! *Also, if you like to sip on flavored beverages switch out the soda, ice-tea and coffee throughout your day and replace it with green or white tea. I like to brew mine strong, chill it, sweeten it with a bit of Stevia/natural sugar and drink it over ice in the warmer months. The antioxidants in green tea are so good for you plus it has a bit of natural caffeine to help ward-off the afternoon slump.
Our bodies need about 8 glasses of water a day. I know, that sounds like a lot liquid and with the crazy-busy of life remembering to drink water isn't on the top of your list but you will feel fuller, have more energy and your skin will look less like a prune and more like a peach if you drink! I like to sit a mason jar of water on the counter, when I've filled it up 3 times then I know I've had what I need to hydrate my body for the day. Cheers to more energy and less wrinkles! *Also, if you like to sip on flavored beverages switch out the soda, ice-tea and coffee throughout your day and replace it with green or white tea. I like to brew mine strong, chill it, sweeten it with a bit of Stevia/natural sugar and drink it over ice in the warmer months. The antioxidants in green tea are so good for you plus it has a bit of natural caffeine to help ward-off the afternoon slump.
2. Get Moving!
The biggest lie you can tell yourself when it comes to exercise is that your too busy, too tired, or too-far-gone. It takes 30 days to form a new habit and this one is worth it! I'm telling you, you will have more energy, be more focused and feel happier if you work-up a sweat. Whether you begin by just walking briskly for 30min., or only have time for an intense 15min. sweat-session you are benefiting yourself! Currently I am working out at home using the exercises from xrcises.tv and also try and run (it's probably more like a jog that I like to think is a run). I tryto be active 3-5 days out of the week. Do what works for you but DO SOMETHING! You are worth it! Taking time out for yourself to be healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Here's to crankin up the beats and getting our sweat-on!
The biggest lie you can tell yourself when it comes to exercise is that your too busy, too tired, or too-far-gone. It takes 30 days to form a new habit and this one is worth it! I'm telling you, you will have more energy, be more focused and feel happier if you work-up a sweat. Whether you begin by just walking briskly for 30min., or only have time for an intense 15min. sweat-session you are benefiting yourself! Currently I am working out at home using the exercises from xrcises.tv and also try and run (it's probably more like a jog that I like to think is a run). I tryto be active 3-5 days out of the week. Do what works for you but DO SOMETHING! You are worth it! Taking time out for yourself to be healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Here's to crankin up the beats and getting our sweat-on!
3. Eat for energy!
So many of you say, "I forgot to eat today!" or "I'm too busy to make healthy choices" or "I didn't have time for breakfast today"... Here's the thing ladies, your body is like an engine, without good fuel to run on you will burn yourself out and be sittin by the side of the road. Make sure you eat something nutritious for breakfast - jump-start your day! A go-to of mine is a packet of instant oatmeal (I try and get the "low" or "no" sugar kind). I add in any nuts I have on hand, Chia Seeds, which fill you up and are a great source of fiber, protein and antioxidants (they can be found in the health-food section of your local grocery store, or I get mine at Costco) and if I have time i will add some berries or banana on top! It's quick, easy and energizing! When I'm hungry for a snack through-out my day I will try and grab a protein source with a fruit/veggie. Like a handful of almonds/almond butter and an apple, some hummus with veggies or a Greek yogurt cup with some blueberries. This will help you keep your energy up and help you avoid mindless munching. * I've always heard it's so beneficial to do a cleanse around the change of the seasons and so, for the first time I'm doing one! I'm on the first day and other than a I've-not-had-my-three-cups-of-coffee-today headache I feel great! Click here for Cleanse.
So many of you say, "I forgot to eat today!" or "I'm too busy to make healthy choices" or "I didn't have time for breakfast today"... Here's the thing ladies, your body is like an engine, without good fuel to run on you will burn yourself out and be sittin by the side of the road. Make sure you eat something nutritious for breakfast - jump-start your day! A go-to of mine is a packet of instant oatmeal (I try and get the "low" or "no" sugar kind). I add in any nuts I have on hand, Chia Seeds, which fill you up and are a great source of fiber, protein and antioxidants (they can be found in the health-food section of your local grocery store, or I get mine at Costco) and if I have time i will add some berries or banana on top! It's quick, easy and energizing! When I'm hungry for a snack through-out my day I will try and grab a protein source with a fruit/veggie. Like a handful of almonds/almond butter and an apple, some hummus with veggies or a Greek yogurt cup with some blueberries. This will help you keep your energy up and help you avoid mindless munching. * I've always heard it's so beneficial to do a cleanse around the change of the seasons and so, for the first time I'm doing one! I'm on the first day and other than a I've-not-had-my-three-cups-of-coffee-today headache I feel great! Click here for Cleanse.
4. Feel how you look and look how you feel!
There is something motivating about getting ready for your day before it passes you by. There are a million needs to be met, lists to check off, people to see and places to go that by the time your making dinner you realize your still in your jammies (or shall I say lounge wear), you stink and as your husband leans in for a "honey I'm home" peck you realize you forgot to brush your teeth! Now, let's be honest, we've all had those days and that's OK! But it really energizes and sets the tone of my day when I take the time to get dressed in real clothes, even if it's just leggings and a cute n' comfy tunic or a pair of fitted jeans and a shirt I feel good in. Pull your hair back in a polished ponytail or a soft half-up-half-down look with a clip, throw on some tinted BB cream, a swipe of color on your cheeks and lips and a bit of mascara, a quick spritz of "smell-good" (deodorant will work just fine too) and you my dear are ready to face the day! And may I just say, girl you are lookin FINE today!
There is something motivating about getting ready for your day before it passes you by. There are a million needs to be met, lists to check off, people to see and places to go that by the time your making dinner you realize your still in your jammies (or shall I say lounge wear), you stink and as your husband leans in for a "honey I'm home" peck you realize you forgot to brush your teeth! Now, let's be honest, we've all had those days and that's OK! But it really energizes and sets the tone of my day when I take the time to get dressed in real clothes, even if it's just leggings and a cute n' comfy tunic or a pair of fitted jeans and a shirt I feel good in. Pull your hair back in a polished ponytail or a soft half-up-half-down look with a clip, throw on some tinted BB cream, a swipe of color on your cheeks and lips and a bit of mascara, a quick spritz of "smell-good" (deodorant will work just fine too) and you my dear are ready to face the day! And may I just say, girl you are lookin FINE today!
5. Fill up your cup!
If you are running on empty no amount of the external "fluff" above is going to renew, refresh and fill you. It's in the quiet early hours of the morning that I sit with my coffee and with God. It's this time that sets the tone for my whole day. By turning my gaze towards the eternal and bringing my heart before my Savior I am positioning my heart to receive from Him each moment of the day. One book that I have enjoyed is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Friend you may be bleary-eyed with fatigue from early morning feedings or rushing out the door to work, to get the kids on the bus or settling in for the doing of one more day. Life clamors for our attention but I challenge you - even for just a few moments, enter into a spirit of worship and meet with your Jesus. Maybe your washing dishes or in the shower but I will tell you this... He will meet with you, just as you are, right where your at.
If you are running on empty no amount of the external "fluff" above is going to renew, refresh and fill you. It's in the quiet early hours of the morning that I sit with my coffee and with God. It's this time that sets the tone for my whole day. By turning my gaze towards the eternal and bringing my heart before my Savior I am positioning my heart to receive from Him each moment of the day. One book that I have enjoyed is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Friend you may be bleary-eyed with fatigue from early morning feedings or rushing out the door to work, to get the kids on the bus or settling in for the doing of one more day. Life clamors for our attention but I challenge you - even for just a few moments, enter into a spirit of worship and meet with your Jesus. Maybe your washing dishes or in the shower but I will tell you this... He will meet with you, just as you are, right where your at.
***I'm not going to even give a number to this little tip but it's something I do every day (almost)... I make my bed. There's something to be said about a made-up bed. If I get nothing else accomplished in a day, but at it's end am reminded that indeed I did do this ONE thing, and it looks pretty darn lovely and inviting... well then, the rest can wait until tomorrow.
I trust this season, as the world around us comes out of hibernation and unfurls into life we too will do the same. As you "reboot" and get energized remember the above tips are just that, tips. Things I do or attempt to do, to live a life outside of my bed. Because let's be honest "my mama told me there'd be days..." and we all have them. I have been in so many seasons where the motto is : just put one foot in-front of the other. The above is not meant to be one more list for you to do. Just do what you can, TODAY. You are loved sweet friend by an everlasting love that will never let you go.
Happy SPRING to you Neighbor!
Happy SPRING to you Neighbor!
BEAUTY BIT:
I'm always curious about new products. I had tried BareMinerals years ago and really liked their foundation, but not the mess it created every time I used it...the loose powder would fly everywhere! Well, they just came out with a new foundation product in pressed powder form call "READY" with SPF 20, long lasting coverage, super fast/easy to apply and good for your skin as its formulated without parabens, fillers or harsh chemicals. Seriously, it's been a busy mama's dream-come-true! In wearing it the past few weeks (I'm fair/medium and I've been using the "light" shade) I've really liked it's wear-ability, coverage, the fact that I can have my foundation on and blended in a few seconds and that it feels like I don't even have anything on! I even use a small concealer brush and use this same product for cover-up. Love it! If you're looking for a new foundation, this one is definitely worth a try!
I'm always curious about new products. I had tried BareMinerals years ago and really liked their foundation, but not the mess it created every time I used it...the loose powder would fly everywhere! Well, they just came out with a new foundation product in pressed powder form call "READY" with SPF 20, long lasting coverage, super fast/easy to apply and good for your skin as its formulated without parabens, fillers or harsh chemicals. Seriously, it's been a busy mama's dream-come-true! In wearing it the past few weeks (I'm fair/medium and I've been using the "light" shade) I've really liked it's wear-ability, coverage, the fact that I can have my foundation on and blended in a few seconds and that it feels like I don't even have anything on! I even use a small concealer brush and use this same product for cover-up. Love it! If you're looking for a new foundation, this one is definitely worth a try!
