I don’t know about you but when the alarm goes off at 5am I am only functioning at about 25%. I’m lucky some days that I my hair is clean and my scrubs are on right side out! Let alone planning to be gone from the house for 14 hours with an infant and prepared for anything!
Below you’ll find my organizational tools - easy tips to incorporate into your day to maybe save you a few minutes, maybe lower stress; ideally help you to live a Salutogenic Life!
Ritual One: I start every day with a protein shake - whether I’m heading to work, the gym or to run errands with the husband. It’s fast, easy, and really good for you. I prefer whey (Dr. Jade likes the vegan). Whey protein powder is a detoxifier and SL vegan protein powder with monk fruit is great if you’re pre-diabetic or trying to lower A1C. It will help regulate your blood sugar - just don’t add high glycemic fruit.
I used to be more ritualistic in my ingredient choices but with the more I learn the more I change. My consistent products are: SL Whey Protein Powder (usually Chocolate), SL Omega Liquid, SL powdered probiotic and SL Life Greens and water. My fruits and veggie choices depend on what’s in the freezer/fridge and honestly what will not live till dinner. It may be 1/2 a banana, 1/2 tbs almond butter and frozen spinach. It may be left over broccoli from the night before, frozen organic raspberries and the organic spring salad mix I use for lunchtime salads. For those of you with thyroid issues make sure to cook your cruciferous vegetables before using them in a shake (or eating them anytime!) This includes: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, arugula, collard greens among others.
Ritual Two: The next one is more of a bad habit - but I check my email. I make sure there haven’t been any changes to the day - no changes to my professional schedule, and a refresher on the personal side. It helps me verify that my time frame is correct and I don’t have to put out any fires at 6am. I check to see if anyone has feedback on posts to our social media - follow me at Dr. Jordan Leasure if you’re so inclined....or Healthy Lawyer for the attorneys out there...or Salutogenic Life!
Ritual Three: The third ritual is because of the second one and it’s PUT DOWN THE PHONE! Give yourself 10 minutes technology free. Sit down with a cup of tea, your protein shake, or just some water. Meditate, add to your gratitude journal or simply go outside and take five deep breaths to clear your mind. Research has shown that gratitude will improve not only your physical health but your emotional and mental health as well!
It’s incredible how freeing it is to focus on something other than email, facebook or even our healthy blog posts! if you do it routinely it become a habit and your stress will decrease just because you’re not tethered to technology.
Ritual Four: Those of you that know me are keenly aware that I have to start most days with exercise. I’m the one at the gym at 5 or 6 am; every day - including weekends. If I don’t do it first thing I will find other ways to fill my day and just can’t find my way back to workout. I’m a fan of all things athletic - free weights, yoga, pilates, spin, even running. Lately in Chicago our gym does yoga on the pool deck first thing in the am and it’s amazing! I did it all throughout my pregnancy and I don’t know if it was more beneficial physically or emotionally! I’ve kept my eye out for other fun opportunities and there are a few bars here with rooftops who do happy hour yoga - a class followed by a drink. I haven’t tried it yet but that’s a different type of relaxation!
Ritual Five: OK - so the last one isn’t really a morning ritual either - more of a prep for the morning ritual. Set everything out the night before! If I’m not out the door by 6:15am my commute time doubles to 80 minutes. Believe me - every moment leading up to 6:15 is a challenge so if I can spend 5 minutes the night before prepping it will save me about 20 (or more if I’m late out the door!)
I pack up everything the baby will need - toys, extra clothes, pump, etc. I lay out my workout clothes and I pack my office attire. I pack up my computer -and charger since my hurried morning self has been known to forget this essential piece of equipment. I put my Salutogenic Life shaker cup and empty lunch bag next to the Vitamix.
If I’m feeling extra ambitious I’ll put my clothes and baby’s bag in the car to save myself an extra trip in the morning.
Salutogenesis focuses on factors that support health and well-being as opposed to factors that cause disease. It’s our goal to bring you news, studies, recommendations, experiences and suggestions you can immediately implement to help you to lead a Salutogenic Life. If you have questions or suggestions please contact us. Or to share your story of your own Salutogenic Life please reach out!!