Hi friends! 
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
I worked on Saturday then took it easy with an evening Sex & the City rerun marathon and some red wine. It was exactly what I needed after such a long and emotionally trying week. A little Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda and a glass of cabernet? Perfect.
Yesterday I met up with my good friend Lauren for a hike in San Tan Valley.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours exploring the gorgeous mountain trails. The weather was beautiful – about 70 degrees – and getting out in nature and having a long heart to heart with one of my best friends was just what I was craving.
This morning I woke up and did something I haven’t done in a few weeks – headed straight to the gym for an early workout. I sweated it out for 30 minutes on the stairclimber (after yesterday’s hike, my glutes were really feeling it!) then completed two rounds of the Tone It Up Love Your Arms and Abs workout. Driving home from the gym, I felt amazing and ready to face the day. It’s incredible how much difference one workout can make.
With all that’s been going on lately, my regular workout routine has definitely fallen by the wayside – and that’s totally fine. Sometimes life happens, and you just do the best you can do. However, now that things are getting back to normal I realize how much I’ve missed starting the day with some good old fashioned, mood-boosting exercise endorphins. It got me thinking about all of the things that, when I do them on a regular basis, make me feel at my best.
In no particular order, here is my list of daily habits that help me feel my best:
1. Exercise. I already mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating. Specifically for me, exercising first thing in the morning. Sure there’s the whole ‘if you don’t make time to workout first thing in the morning you aren’t nearly as likely to get around to it’ thing (true), but for me it really just boosts my mood and energy like nothing else and sets the tone for my entire day to be rewarding and productive.
2. Meditation. Ever since I started meditating back in June of last year, I make a point to sit in stillness for at least a few minutes every single day. However, when it comes to meditation, I get the most benefit from a legit, 20-30 minute session. Don’t get me wrong, quieting your mind for even a couple minutes a day is definitely beneficial, but I can tell when I’m half-a$$ing it and just checking it off my to-do list for the day. I definitely feel at my most relaxed, inspired and grounded when I put in the time.
3. Getting dressed up. This is one I definitely need to work on! (In fact, it’s one of my goals for the new year). I have to admit, I’m often guilty of putting forth minimal effort when it comes to my hair, clothes and makeup — especially on my days off, but on work days too. (As I sit here writing this, I’m still in my gym clothes from this morning with my hair in a messy, post-workout bun). Honestly, I’ve got my hair and makeup routine down to about 10 minutes flat along with several go-to outfits I can throw on in a pinch and, most of the time, I really just don’t feel like putting in the extra effort. But, I do know that I feel so much more confident and ready to put my best foot forward when I actually take the time to add a little oomph to my appearance. This might mean curling my hair, applying a little of my favorite bright pink lipstick, painting my nails or taking extra care to pick out a cute outfit I haven’t worn 30 times already. It’s not about trying to impress, it’s about feeling your best. <3
When I do these three things on a regular basis, I definitely feel my most confident, vibrant and equipped to take on the day. Sure, it requires some extra effort, but the end result is so, so worth it.
I want to hear from you – What daily habits help keep you feeling your best?
Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
xo
Kristi
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