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| $52 @spunkyfluff |
start your day off right!
10 ways to make the most of your mornings
1. wake up before your family. there's just something sweet about being awake before everyone else, when the house is quiet and the time is yours.
2. spend time in the Word. grab your coffee or tea and open your bible. thank God for waking you up, tell Him what concerns you, pray for others, and dedicate the day to Jesus. need accountability? check out Hello Mornings organized by my friend Kat.
3. put on your shoes. i don't know why but somehow this makes for a more productive day. maybe because putting on your shoes tricks your brain into thinking you're going somewhere, and that kicks you into high gear? it works. (with any shoes other than slippers!) try it.
4. eat your frog. in other words, do your least favorite chore first. for me, my frog is different every day. sometimes it's the dirty dishes i left in the sink over night, sometimes it's the mountain of clean laundry needed to be folded, sometimes it's checking and replying to emails. figure out what your frog is for the day and tackle it first thing. that way, you won't dread it for the rest of the day.
5. eat breakfast. the most important meal of the day! health nuts recommend eating a healthy serving of protein-rich food within 30 minutes of waking up. that might be a tad extreme for the rest of us, but protein is helpful for substantial energy, making it ideal for breakfast. do some research and skip the scones.
6. exercise. jump rope, go for a run, do some yoga, dance like a maniac to a few of your favorite songs, pop in a Jane Fonda VHS, or go to the gym (free childcare!). whatever your method: move. take care of your temple! it's good for your heart, great for your muscles, and is a surefire way to start your day off feeling great.
7. make your bed. (maybe this is your frog?) even if no one but you and your husband will notice, pull up the sheets, fold over the blankets, fluff the pillows, and make your bed look nice. it only takes a few minutes and it's so worth it. every time you walk back into your room throughout the day, a sense of accomplishment will wash over you.
8. get dressed. no matter what your plans are for the day, get dressed. put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. put on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared...hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:13-17)
9. have a plan. set your daily goals, even the small ones like make bed, in the morning before the day gets started. you are more likely to be more productive all day long if you have your goals in mind. but be flexible. if the kids wake up late or rain ruins your day's plans, don't throw in the towel. be ready to go to plan B and keep a good attitude about it. it's okay if plan B is put back on your jammies and call it a stay-home-and-watch-movies day!
10. be on the lookout for gifts not gifts that you want, but gifts from God that you already have. He loves you so much and He is very present in your life! seek the multitudes of His gifts throughout the day, let them be glaringly obvious to your heart, and take time to joyfully give thanks. start your day with a spirit of gratitude!
