Ready... Set... Monday!

What habit or activity makes you feel ready to take on your week? For me it's all about having meals and snacks packed, a yummy, healthy mocha shake to start my day, my planner filled out, and making sure my tablet and phone all charged up!

Here are a few tips to help lower stress and make sure you own your week instead of letting it own you!

- spend Sunday afternoon / evening relaxing. The downtime will help relieve some stress before the week brings on whatever it may have in store.
- lay out clothes (including workout clothes) and pack food for the next day before you go to bed! It's such a simple idea and we've all heard it before but sometimes the reminder helps.
- allow yourself a little extra time Monday morning to look over your week, organize your to-do list, etc.
- schedule appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays when possible. We tend to forget "out of routine" appointments on Monday and that can add stress.
- switch some tea for that morning coffee.. Less caffeine (usually), health benefits, and it's soothing.. What more reason do you need?
- Write. It. Down. If something comes up that needs to be done, put it on a calendar or in a list. Write it down. Let your mind release it. Move on. Just make sure you write it down somewhere it check often!
- pick a night to leave empty. At worst, this gives you some time for the unexpected. At best, it means you have a night "off". The key here is to put it on your calendar as early as possible.
- don't be afraid to ask for help. Using a laundry or grocery service, picking up precut veggies instead of doing so yourself, delegating projects at work, etc. can make a huge difference in your stress level!