Oh Monday, how I often loathe you! You start with an early wake up call to get the kids ready. One for school and the other needs changing and fed. Then the older one begins to complain. It is the same routine. You know what I am talking about. The fake sleeping, the whining about waking up, then finally waking up, only to complain about getting dressed, teeth brushed, and eating. Please don’t get me started on making lunch. What to make, plus did we pack the backpack, is the homework in the folder, did we forget the winter gear? I just don’t know what it is about the weekend that brings on such a hard start on Monday but the fact is it does. I am here to tell “Monday” I am not going to take it anymore. Wait, who am I kidding? “Mondays” are “Mondays” and no matter what we do, no matter how hard we try we suffer through each one every week. However, I just might have a few tips and tricks that might make it a bit easier. Don’t worry it is all worth it. As they say… “Everybody Is Working For The Weekend!”
So it isn’t always so bad but “Mondays” seriously have us dragging our feet to get the week going. As a result I have been trying ways to help with that struggle. Maybe they can help you too.
Step One: GET MORE SLEEP!
The first steps seems a little obvious but unfortunately it’s something many of us don’t do. I am trying my very best to get to bed at a reasonable hour every night. I like to see myself get to bed no later than 10:30pm. After all, I have a set time for the kids and I do so because I know their bodies need that time to reset, rejuvenate, and heal. As adults this applies to us as well. I know “time is money” but to me rest is far more valuable as I am more productive throughout the day making it easier for me to “work smarter, not harder.”
Step Two: EXERCISE EARLY
I know this one is difficult to do but I promise it isn’t as hard as you might think assuming you take “Step One” seriously. You will then find yourself waking up earlier naturally and thus well rested putting you in the positive and motivated mindset to get your body moving. I start the morning with a solid jolt of protein. Normally I get in a protein shake sometimes I put some protein in my coffee but I do that only in a pinch. Then I get in some cardio, weights, and soon I plan on getting back into Yoga. I love Yoga! After my workout I make sure I get in some more protein. Keep in mind some protein drinks are pretty high in calories be sure to read labels especially when drinking the prepackaged ones. Normally I stay away from those, as I like more control over what is actually in my drink. I usually mix my own using unsweetened almond milk and protein powder. Making it this way I usually stay at 140 calories per serving. You can’t go wrong there.
Step Three: DRINK TEA ALL DAY
It may be in my head but when I drink tea all day I am happier, I am livelier, I am to be quite honest much better to be around. Keep in mind I usually see optimal benefits when I have followed both steps one and two. Please keep in mind I am not a doctor, fitness expert, or any kind of guru, wizard, or otherwise. What I am is a mom of two with a busy schedule. I can use all the help I can get. So I drink cold tea when I workout. I drink tea after I work out. I transition to hot tea in the afternoon. I am sure people would cringe when I say this but tea is my main source of water. I have been doing this for well over a decade and I am doing well. It may not work for everyone and I do drink regular water from time to time but I prefer tea. Doing so also helps curb my appetite while at the same time satisfy certain cravings. It isn’t a great solution for when I crave pizza but it does help with chocolate cravings and other sweet things. I love vegetal flavors and there are so many different teas out there that really hit the spot.
If anyone tries out these three steps I’d love to hear your results. Please always remember progress can and will be hindered if you don’t eat healthier. I didn’t mention it earlier but I can only assume that was self-explanatory. On the off chance it wasn’t… EAT HEALTHIER!
In an effort to keep this post from turning into a book I will post another blog about specific teas I drink to help me get through the “Monday’s” and move forward head strong and happier through Friday and get me ready for the weekend.
Favorite Tools:
FitBit Flex Exercise Tracker (Plus additional features)
Soon I will be getting the FitBit Charge HR to replace my Flex because it has a heart rate monitor function. Plus it doesn’t require the need to have to wear a band around your torso. Love that!
My Fitness Pal Application (Keeps track of caloric intake, among many more additional features)
2 comments for “How To Survive Mondays”