I'm so happy to be visiting y'all over here on Headbands & Bagels today!!! Have you ever wished there was a secret formula to having a great day? A way to feel amazing all day and go to bed smiling? Well I have good news, there is! Here are 10 of my (almost) fool-proof tips and tricks to having a good day EVERY day. Now I don't always take my own advice, but when I do, I never fail to reach the end of the day feeling fabulous with a smile on my face! Try them out and let me know if they work for you too! 1. Rise and Shine, Gorgeous: Get up when you wake up! As tempting as it is to sink back into your fluffy pillows and sleep for another few minutes (or few hours), get those feet on the ground the first time you wake up!! Drifting in and out sleep for a little bit longer really won’t be that restful, and if you end up sleeping too long you’ll get dehydrated which can lead to a horrible headache for the rest of the day. Not fun! Plus, won’t you wish you had that extra ten minutes back when you’re frantically rushing out the door?
Image via @chiaraferragi2. Get Up Then Get Down: Downward Dog that is! Nothing will get your body loosened up and blood flowing like a quick morning yoga sesh. Use that extra five minutes from getting up early to stretch out the sleepiness. Get your body moving and get your muscles working, you’ll be glad you did after you’ve been sitting in front of your computer for a few hours!
3. Eat a Breakfast of Champions: Do. Not. Skip. Breakfast. Yes, in high school I though it was cool. Showing up to first period with a latte and no food? Tres chic. Or something. Thankfully I’ve wised up, because no one wants to deal with me when I’m “hangry.” Make sure it’s a GOOD breakfast too. No, a snickerdoodle from Starbucks doesn’t count. What’s going to get your metabolism going and keep you full all morning? Eggs? Oatmeal? Fresh fruit and yogurt? Just make sure you’re eating something healthy and balanced that will keep you from wanting to snack before 10.
Image via @blushandblonde4. Let’s Get Physical: I really do try to go to the gym most days, but there are plenty of times when I just don’t make it. Sometimes it’s because I’m busy, other times it’s because I’m just lazy. However, skipping the gym is no excuse to not be active!! On days I don’t make it, I still make sure to work fitness into my day, whether it’s pilates in my bedroom or taking my dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. No time for that? Get creative!! I’ve been known to do crunches while emailing, do lunges while walking from room to room, and even do squats while talking on the phone.
Image via @peaceloveshea5. Water Water Everywhere: So drink it!! Healthy skin, healthy heart, healthy body… There is no end to the list of reasons why you should drink plenty water. Especially in these hot summer months, it’s important to keep hydrated!! Invest in a reusable water bottle, it’s good for you AND the environment. My reusable water bottle is probably my most used accessory, it never leaves my side!
6. Turn That Frown Upside Down: Did you know a smile can change your whole day?? Whether you’re giving it or receiving it, a simple smile can act as a major attitude adjustment. Turn “Grumpies” into “Happies” and can’ts into cans!
Image via @gigihadid7. Lend a Helping Hand: It doesn’t have to be extreme, I’m not talking about catching the next flight to Nigeria and #bringingbackourgirls. I mean hold the door for someone. Pay for someone else’s coffee. Bring in your neighbor’s trash bins for them. Doing little things for others will make you feel great about yourself! Besides, think about all that karma you’re racking up.
8. Eat Clean: I’m not saying you have to juice for every meal, I’m saying you should eat clean, good, REAL food. I’ll let you in on my biggest secret: I don’t diet. Ever. Nor do I eat anything that’s “fat free” or “sugar free.” I eat real butter, real cream, and plenty of carbs. I also eat tons of veggies, fruits, and green juice. I believe in eating real foods in moderation and staying active, just like people did before the advent of processed foods and fad diets. Your body will look and feel its best this way!
9. Take Your “Me” Time: What makes you happy and relieves stress? Reading a book? Your favorite TV show? Playing a game? Whatever it is, make sure you take some time out of your day to do it!! Just make sure that you’ve finished everything you need to do for the day before you sit down to relax, putting off work really just leads to MORE stress in the long run. As for me, I love my reality TV. I guarantee I’m in a much better mood on Real Housewives days!
Image via @hoskelsa10. Splurge: No, I’m not talking about that Ferragamo bag, I’m talking about something a little easier on the bank account, like ice cream. Or a glass of wine. Giving yourself a guilt-free treat is good for the mind. Don’t rationalize it with thoughts like “I’ve been good all day” or “I deserve it,” do it because you WANT to and you CAN!!! It’s a healthy mindset to have, and I bet it’ll put you in a good mood. See you later, I’m off to pick up a bottle of pinot grigio. Xoxo.
Image via @blushandblonde
