Somehow, it is April. While this is my first April here in Appleton, the general consensus seems to be the increasingly decreasing amount of patience the entire campus has for real spring, maybe even summer, to come. I know I for one, have been complaining day in and day out about the ridiculous number of layers I have to put on in order to go outside, and brace myself for the sporadic and ridiculously inconvenient blasts of snow/rain/wind/cold.
Alright, negativity aside. I think we all deserve a few tips and tricks to brighten up our moods, since the seasons hasn't gotten the memo to lighten and brighten up. For me, a huge determinant of my overall mood of the day is how I start it, and how even the littlest things that change your mood in the mornings can affect how you react to stimulus throughout the day.
1. Wake up at a reasonable hour
By reasonable, I mean not five minutes before having to run out the door with your shoes half-untied and jacket barely on. By reasonable, I mean giving yourself a nice easy start to your morning, easing your way out of bed, all whilst taking your sweet, sweet, time. There's nothing like a morning where you have enough time to do everything you need to at a pace not constrained and rushed by prearranged obligations.
2. Make your bed first thing in the morning
A very small thing, something that should've become habitual a long time ago however often times is a task that goes easily neglected. A task so small yet so very rewarding. Honestly, I'm not exaggerating. When you get out of bed, ensure that you definitely make your bed before embarking on your daily adventures. This is a simple task that requires minimal effort, and also immediately gives you a sense of accomplishment, giving you a jumpstart to your day.
3. Treat your body to something nutritiously delicious for breakfast
I think the title is pretty self-explanatory, but hey rambling is always fun. Kids these days eat way too much junk food, which is partially due to the ease in access to unhealthy food, and partially due to our decreased desire to educate ourselves on nutritional values and daily nutritional needs.
Although to be honest, those of you who know me are probably scoffing at these sentences, as I am not quite the best person to be preaching healthy food... though I do try to get my fair share of vegetables and a variety of food into my body. There should be no healthier, more nutritious, more delicious meal than the one that kick starts your day. Not only will your body thank you throughout the day, but you will also be able to feel the extra bit of energy to keep you going.
4. Stretch, or do some morning yoga
After hours of being stationary, it feels great to give your body a nice long stretch. The best part about stretching/yoga is that you can remain in your sleepy haze, or be completely alert and it'd still be wonderfully relaxing.
