5 P's For Feeling Your Best This School Year

1. Purpose

Start each day with God before the world. Prayer, bible, gratitude and intention.

My morning routine looks something like this:  Pour the coffee (and add my collagen and creatine)  While it cools, I drink my glass of WATER FIRST and do a few minutes (2-3) of stretching and mobility.  My reward when I’m done: my coffee!   Time alone with God (aka TAG time) comes next.  I sit quietly for a few moments with my journal, devotional and God’s word.  Life is heavy and busy, and I NEED this daily time to simply “be still and know” who is in control and who goes before me in all the daily stresses that may arrive.  Starting my day with prayer and giving it all to God sets the tone for my day and it’s something I treasure.  After my devo time, I then am mentally prepared to go over the plans for my day (as an educator and a mom, there are many!)  My head and heart feel ready to tackle the day.

If you’re not an early riser like me, that’s okay!  There are several devotions and plans that only take a few minutes and can still set a positive tone for your day.  Here are a few of my favorite options for busy moms (and dads)!

2. PRIORITIZE Protein

Fuel your body with protein at every meal to keep your energy steady.  Overnight oats are a great option. (You can easily take these with you and eat a later breakfast in the day if you prefer)  Also, a good quality protein bar, protein shake, or adding some protein to your coffee are great morning options.  Being sure to have protein at every meal is beneficial in so many ways. You'll have better energy and appetite control, it helps with maintaining and repairing muscle and can help improve your metabolism. You'll find some of my go to quick protein options here. Macro bowls and my go to macro friendly chicken salad and healthier buffalo chicken dip are some of my "easy to pack in your lunch" ideas.

3. Practice

Practice healthy movement every day.

This takes the pressure off "working out." You're simply practicing healthy habits:

• Lift weights

• Walk (or take the stairs instead of an elevator)

• Stretch

• Play with your kids

• Ride a bike

  
  

"Practice" also reinforces that health is a skill built over time.  Increasing your overall movement each day (when you “don’t have time” for the gym) can be great for keeping metabolism up too.  You can read more here on how to increase your” NEAT” time.

4. Prepare

Prepare for tomorrow before today ends.

A tip I heard years ago and have utilized ever since has been creating my “6 most important things to do” list.  Early each morning, or the night before, on my calendar I create my list- the things I absolutely must accomplish or the things I absolutely want to accomplish and get taken care of for the day- or week.  Sometimes they’re big things- like meeting a deadline, but sometimes they’re a small task like remembering to drop donations off at Goodwill or dusting my dirty chandelier that’s been driving me crazy every time I walk down the stairs!  Either way, big or small tasks get done, and I LOVE to check a task off of my list.  It’s a wonderful feeling!  Other things you can do easily before going to bed each night may be:

• Pack lunch

• Fill your water bottle

• Lay out clothes

• Prep breakfast

• Check your calendar or whatever would make your life easier the next day.  (Especially if you’re not an early riser)

5. Perspective

Give yourself grace.  I’ll admit, I struggle with this one sometimes.

Remember:

• One bad meal isn't failure.  (As long as you don’t make it a regular thing, just keep remembering that consistency is key)

• One missed workout doesn't erase your progress. Rest and recovery are part of the process after all!

• One hard day doesn't define your week.

  
  

Keep the right perspective and keep moving forward. 

I hope your upcoming school year is full of smiles, growth and lots blessings!