Summer Days Started off Right

By Donna Stark

Parents, we’ve all had that morning -- the one in which nothing seems to go right … you oversleep, destroy your bathroom and closet trying to get ready, frantically pack lunches (did you really throw in strawberry lollipops as a substitute for fruit?), and rush to work on an empty stomach, coffee cup in hand. Sounds a lot like most homes during the school year, but just because school is out, that doesn’t mean your mornings are any less hectic. After all, without the routine of getting ready for school, sometimes it is harder to get the day started with your little ones.

Good Morning, Great Day

The flow of your morning can arguably be the best predictor of how the rest of your day is going to play out. It sets the tone for what could be a great day or a day filled with struggles. And although staying up late after the kids are tucked in bed to binge-watch Game of Thrones might seem like a good idea, come morning you may feel a little differently. Here are some tips on how to create a stress-free morning in your home.

• Sleep - If a good night’s rest is last on your priority list, it’s time to reevaluate what’s important. Getting quality sleep the night before makes it that much easier to start your morning off on the right foot. So get those kids to bed on time so you, in turn, can get to bed on time too! Sure, it’s summer and everyone wants to stay up late, but at what cost? And who loses out the most on that deal? Sticking to a nighttime routine will help everyone’s day run more smoothly the next morning.
• Healthy breakfasts - Cooking breakfast and saving time in the morning doesn’t really seem like a matched pair, especially if you’re cooking for more than just yourself. But there are ways that you can shorten the time in the kitchen without sacrificing a healthy meal. Do some of the prep work at the beginning of the week after you buy the groceries -- or even the night before. Freeze pre-cut fruit for smoothies, homemade healthy muffins, or breakfast burritos so that you can just grab, heat, and go.
• Prep for the day the night before - It may seem like this will only save a few minutes here and there, but those minutes sure do add up and may get you ahead of the traffic instead of sitting in the middle of it. So plan ahead and lay out your outfit the night before, set out any extras that need to leave with you, and most importantly -- this is big -- make sure your keys are where they are supposed to be!

Dominate Your Efforts

Creating and maintaining a morning routine will start your family’s day off right! By dominating each and every morning, you will end up with successful days and a much happier week.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.