5 Ways to Have Your Best Day Ever

Lately, my schedule has been really erratic. We’ve been in the middle of a move and some of my nourishing daily routines have taken a back seat. But, the one thing I stick to as much as possible—no matter what’s going on—is entering the day intentionally.

Why? Because as a self-care evangelist for the last 25 years, I’ve learned that how I “enter” the day is how I “do” the day. The state of BEING I cultivate first thing in the morning has an enormous impact on how I connect, lead and relate to others throughout the day!

Do you flop, race or ease into your day? If we take a bit of time to make conscious choices, our morning time can set the course for how creative, positive, productive and happy we are in the hours to follow. How we begin our day is key to everything.

Here are five simple things I try to do each morning to support a great start (if your current a.m. routine includes a large dose of news and a carafe of coffee—be gentle with yourself; start with baby steps):

1. Ditch screen time and become comfortable with silence (or classical music). Be judicious about your media diet and who you allow into your head—especially for the first hour of the morning. Often, we get our best ideas shortly after waking; give yourself some time to ease into the day without added mental clutter and unwanted noise. This can feel strange at first, but over time, you may crave this quiet. From stillness comes discernment.
2. Stretch or do some gentle yoga before you get out of bed. Every morning I lie on my back and fold my right knee gently into my body, then alternate and bring in my left, stretching the opposing leg while taking deep belly breaths. Then I bring in both knees and gently rock side to side (great for the kidneys, adrenals and digestion). Want more? Read my blog post on Why I Do Yoga.
3. Drink a cup of hot water with lemon shortly after waking. This practice aids digestion, hydrates, flushes out the lymph system, helps detoxify your body, and boosts your metabolism. Even if you’ve got to have your java jolt, try starting with warm lemon water. Read more about the many benefits of this practice here.
4. Pause and enter your day intentionally. I believe this is the MOST important tip. Whether you meditate, pray, read an inspirational passage, journal about what you’re grateful for or choose a one-word intention that calls to you, taking time to enter your day thoughtfully and with intention has huge pay-offs. The benefits will be felt for hours to come.
5. Give and receive morning hugs. Making a conscious choice to choose love over fear and embrace the benefits of hugging. Expressing care to your friends, pets and family members in the form of warm, safe touches and hugs has an enormous impact on your physical and emotional well-being and stress level. This is one of the fastest ways to release oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) and to feel more connected to those you love.

We are creatures of habit. It’s easy to keep doing the same things over and over again and remain in a rut. Perhaps you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired and are ready to experience more well-being and joy? Author Robert Puller says, “Good habits, once established, are just as hard to break as are bad habits.” For me, it always comes back to the question, “How bad do you want to feel good?”

Warmly,

I’D LOVE TO SUPPORT YOU! OFFERINGS TO HELP YOU PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE:

• You deserve to take a retreat–YES! Join me September 19 – 21^st at The Art of Living Retreat Center in beautiful Boone, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains or October 24 – 26^th at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshire Mountains, MA for Soul Tending: Cultivating Grace, Power and Intuition ~ A Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat.  Both will sell-out, so don’t delay! These are amazingly affordable retreats and both offer complete packages starting around $700.
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• Plan a 2025-2026 workshop for your team/organization. My primary work is speaking professionally at national/regional conferences, employee events and to companies/organizations worldwide! I love weaving neuroscience, work-life alignment strategies, mindfulness & resiliency practices to create unforgettable workshops & presentations that help employees and teams feel more creative, focused, resourced and alive. Learn about my speaking here and fill out in inquiry form for your next event.
• Join me in NC for a Wild Souls Nature Adventure (based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation/resiliency workshops, women’s circles & more. Have me design a custom experience for your team/friends: learn more. Join me for Wild Souls Authentic Movement and see the calendar for August and September here.