Ten Tips for A Better (work) Day!

A few weeks ago Megan and I were talking and she was telling me about how she wakes up early...before Eli, so that she can have some time alone. We talked about how it is easier to do it at night, but how important it is to do in the morning too. I thought about that, and it sounded like a great idea. BUT....I haven't done it on purpose. There are some mornings that I am awake and just take the time, and I LOVE IT. I should motivate myself to do it everyday. So, last night I was reading the one piece of mail we received yesterday, and this was inside:

Ten Tips for a Better Workday (I guess we SAHMs can consider our daily routines WORK)

1. Set your alarm 30 minutes before you would regularly get up. Do not hit snooze. Use this time to relax and plan your day. (Sounds like a great idea....does anyone have a way to keep my babies asleep while I do this?)

2. Feed your brain. Read the paper or catch up on your favorite blogs. Chose wisely: what you do first in the morning will set the tone for your day! (My favorite thing to do...catch up on everything online!)

3. Feed your body. Healthy choices are better than sugary cereal or, worse yet, nothing at all. (I'm guessing that a cup of joe isn't the healthiest choice?)

4. Pace yourself. You'll be shocked by how much you can accomplish if you work at a stead pace. (Can a mother of four have a slow and steady pace?)

5. Limit distractions. Declutter your desk. Turn off alerts in e-mail and instant messaging to allow you to block our time for your tasks. (My biggest distractions.....KIDS, FOUR of them. It took me two naptimes to get the lawn mowed yesterday)

6. Go for a walk. Instead of eating lunch at your desk, get some fresh air and exercise. (We try, honestly!....well, the walking part. Lunch has to be at the table though.)

7. Listen to music. It can help you to be productive and make your day more enjoyable. Show courtesy to your coworkers by wearing headphones. (Is there a TV with headphone plug ins for the kids' courtesy?)

8. Study. Ask your coworkers for recommendations, and spend a little time every night learning how to improve your job performance. (Every mother does this without trying, just think about it!)

9. Feed your soul. End your day by listening to beautiful music, meditating, or reading your favortie text. (Ummmm, a spa in the basement would be my saving grace. Doesn't that just make you want to daydream?)

10. Go to bed. You'll be in a better mood in the morning if you get enough rest. Experts recommend 7-9 hours depending on your personal needs. (Teach my children this PLEEEEEAAAASSSSSSE!)

And don't worry. Tomorrow will be another great day!