(Photo by: Maritess Boudreau)
Happy New Year! I originally written this entry last year; October 7, 2014. I've decided to edit this because I wasn't really able to follow everything here. Honestly, I've been in a period of depression. Seriously, I never thought that I would be suffering this much mentally and emotionally. This emotional pain had... still have me. However, I am going to do my best to fight this. I want to bring back the color to my life. Wish me luck everyone, because I am really tired.Few months ago, I've stumbled upon an article entitled "7 Things Healthy People Do Every Morning" from foodmatters.tv (you may click the link and read the article/blog). I started to do these seven things again after I came back from the road trip to Baguio City with my couins. I swear! These help me a lot to boost my mood in the morning. Morning is very important because this is the start of our day (except for those who have nocturnal job... I know... I know...), If you start your day feeling gloomy, down and blue the probability of spending the whole day feeling these is very high. However, if you will start your day feeling good about yourself despite work or school troubles...believe me, you will find yourself confident that you can do all things if you will start and focus your mind on the positive. Honestly, I find myself in a good mood, with happy disposition and with a positive mind. It amazes me how these things could actually help someone who has tons of problems and troubles. I know that everyone of us is fighting a battle of our own, that's why I want to share my experiences with these things that are helping me lately.
1. Drink A Glass Of Water As Soon As You Wake Up
In my case, I drink lukewarm lemon water and it's been almost a year and a half since I've started this morning routine. Drinking water or lemon/lime water in the morning helps us flush out the toxins from our body and it also helps in hydrating. Lemon and Lime are rich in vitamin C that helps to strengthen our immune system.
2. Do Not check Your Email Or Phone For At Least An Hour
Oh yes! I am guilty of checking my emails, Facebook, instagram, Skype and line as soon as I wake up. It's a BAD HABIT indeed. Because instead of being thankful and grateful for another morning and fresh day... I sometimes find myself disappointed, pressured, annoyed, irritated by some post of the people in the web... cyber acquaintances. So what I do now is that after waking up, I jump out of my bed and stretch my body. I flip my hair side by side and grab my guitar. I play at least one song before breakfast.
3. Think Of One Thing For Which You Have Gratitude
I have a small notebook on my study table wherein I write the things that I am grateful for. I am the kind of person who becomes grateful from a simple "good morning" from a friend or from my cousins, a sunny day, cloudy day, windy day, rainy day (except stormy day). I get happy from the smell of newly baked "Pandesal" or freshly toasted bread and fried eggs. Start your morning by feeling grateful about the simple things in your life.
4. Step Outside And Take A Deep Breath
Okay... I don't really do this when I am about to spend my day in the house, but what I do is that I open my window and shove my curtains aside to let the sunlight in. Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling will help you release all the negativity from your body. It's like a process of detoxifying your body from all the negative vibes that lingers in/on/at you (lol for that).
5. Move Your Body
According to the article, it's not necessary to do an intense workout before breakfast. Who has time for that when you are running late from your job or school? Simply doing simple stretches, like what I have said, will wake up your senses leaving you feeling so much ALIVE. I actually do some random dance with my guitar in front of my mirror... like no one is watching.
6. Take Time To Eat A Healthy Breakfast
I used to eat cereals because it is very convenient. You only need to toss the cereals in your bowl and pour milk in it... voila! Hello Breakfast! Nowadays, my breakfast consists of Oatmeal, Fruits, Green Tea, Lemon Water and some protein such as tofu, chicken, fish or egg. If I don't have much time to eat in the morning, I bring my breakfast at work or at school. I don't go to fast food chains to buy their breakfast combo. No matter how convenient they are, I choose to eat food which can make me feel full, but low in calories and saturated fats.
7. Say Your Affirmations
My Aunt taught me this... I asked her "Auntie Tess, what can I do to be happy in the morning like you?" And she said that every time she wakes up, she would go in front of her mirror to greet herself like this "GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL! YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!".
So I am doing the same thing now. Just now. I don't have to be shy to say that line because I am doing this for myself. It is my way to feel good about my body, my face and skin despite the facial demons that I am having right now. The heck with them! Start by "FEELING" good and beautiful... and you will be one.
Here are other things that I do:
1. Write On My Journal
2. Read And Update My "Dreams and Aspirations" Journal where I write the things that I want, things that I want to do and the person that I want to become.
3. Play My Guitar For At Least 30 Minutes For Relaxation (If I have much time... sometimes even I f I don't have...)
4. Read Books While Eating My Breakfast
5. Talk With Somebody
I hope these things will help you to have a GOOD MORNING!
Sincerely,
Erica/Erix
Things that made me happy:
- Finishing my Homework. Success!!!!!
- Exercising for an Hour. I need to get back in shape. I must.
- That our dog Cloney is still alive. I thought she's going to leave us yesterday because she'd been acting so strange the whole day.
- Talking in skype with my Fairy Godparents. I feel blessed whenever I talk with them.
- That I am still alive.
- That my parents are in good health.
- That I have True and Loyal friends.
- That I have many cousins. I miss them now... I miss their noise..
