Big Bright Way to Begin the Day: Monday Morning Motivation Recipe #1

When I was in college I walked to class, to the library, to my friend’s place, to the pizza place, and to (and from) the campus pub. Easily 10,000 steps a day. Then my daily steps took a serious decline after I graduated. That is until I started going for a stroll first thing in the morning. Now it has become the first part of my recipe for a positive and productive day!

The motive behind my morning walk is to get the blood flowing. Whether you walk, run, stretch or workout, studies show it makes you feel more alert and motivated throughout the day. And by walking, you don’t have to break a sweat!

Walking in the morning also gives you time to sort out how you want to tackle the day ahead. What do you want to accomplish? What will potentially hold you back? How can you overcome the obstacles?

Morning walk around the block to improve focus throughout the day

Or just count the concrete sidewalk slabs as you walk. I do that sometimes – I chalk it up as being good for my focus.

Stress-Free Stroll

Don’t feel safe walking alone? Go with a walking buddy. Take the dog (Fido will love it). Or pack an air horn in your pocket – scares away just about anything (even in the city).

The BIG positive payoff is worth the small effort to wake up early to go for a stroll. I’ve never come back from a morning walk and thought it was a bad idea!

Healthy post morning walk breakfast

Follow-up your walk with a healthy breakfast like fresh fruit salad, oatmeal or a quick and easy oatmeal smoothie and be ready for the most positive and productive day ever – just like you planned on your stroll!

Recipe For a Big Bright Start To The Day

Makes: 1 Great Way to Start Each Day ~ Cost: $0.00 ~ Time: About 10 to 15 minutes

Ingredients

Running shoes or comfortable walking shoes (boots for winter)
Hat or toque (if required)
Sweater or jacket (if required)
Dog, Walking Buddy or Air Horn (all are optional)
Safe route (recommended)

Putting it Together

Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual.

Drink a glass of water.

Before you eat breakfast, put on your shoes, hat and jacket (if wearing) and head out the door for a 10 to 15 minute walk around the block. As you walk, sort out the day’s priorities in your head. Think about how you will tackle each task and how to overcome potential obstacles. Finally, imagine how GOOD it will feel to have each task completed!!!

Take 5 to 10 deep sumo breathes of fresh air before you head back inside to enjoy a healthy breakfast!

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Brent Garell – Brent is the guy behind College Recipe Cafe, and author of The Cook-a-Palooza Experience. He visits local colleges to teach students cooking 101 skills, and is the author of the digital cookbook 15-Minute Money Saving Meals for Students: Cup of Recipes for When You Need Food NOW! Available now on Amazon.