‘What are we doing today?’ is a loaded question in which a split-second, pre-coffee decision must be made. It does not matter that I spent the night before learning the songs to innumerable Disney standards and have been conditioned to anticipate the laugh track. I made enough cookies to last through Home Alone 1, 2 and 3 until 3, and this after whipping my hair back and forth so, that a chiropractor must realign me. I have proven myself not old, yet old enough to impart some old-school fun. But, the fun (and science) of actually popping popcorn like we did pre-microwaveable bags was yesterday. ‘Today’ is now! And what’s doing may make or break the remainder of this week. Their puppy-dog stares twitch slightly, promising that if I should come anywhere close to a foul with my answer this jacked-up day will forever be etched onto their tiny hearts. They’ll share with therapists. They’ll tell their kids, ‘Grandma ain’t all that.’

‘What’s the plan?’ is the spousal unit getting a gauge on what my routine is. His job requires a bam-bam-bam Who’s Next?/What’s Next?, ‘MAKE IT HAPPEN!’ mentality so he’s expecting an answer that is thorough and thought out. No matter what my ‘plan’ is, he always follows with, ‘And, then what?’ This is far more stressful than the To-Do list looming in the back of my mind from which I pick of the low hanging fruit and usually accomplish (or not) by day’s end. He wants to know ‘the status’ of stuff. He wants to catch up on ‘the future’. I will toss and turn through the night thinking of a suitable response for the morning.

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With Thanksgiving prepped the week before, I was confident to reply I had nothing planned. Bad idea. Grammar is everything. I spent the first two days filled with doing everything but nothing. I would have fared much better had I said, “I plan to do nothing.” I got specific in laying forth my agenda the next day – laundry, organizing my closet, unearthing my desk, relaxing my hair, reading a book…cramming the day with minutiae I really had no intention to do just to leave room for nothing. But, I realize that he understands as the kids do – anything uninteresting also means nothing. He prances in moments later on white horse to rescue me from boredom with, ‘Guess what? We’re going ice-skating!’ no matter that I – A) don’t know how B) don’t like the cold or C) Do. Not. Like. The. Cold.

Of course I am thankful for the time we are spending together but so far, the week has been ‘All circuits GO!’ and I’m ready to hit switches. Come Monday, I will downshift back to the organized chaos in which I thrive. I won’t complain about running here and there. I will wake with a cheerful glow and roll out biscuits, flip pancakes, or hatch eggs myself with a smile, having a new appreciation for the relaxation to come. I’ll scribble little note cards to hide in backpacks, lunches, and suit pockets to let them know that I am thinking of them while I’m doing nothing. Quietly.

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When the sun comes up and you begin to stir, what runs through your mind? When your eyes open and your mind and body begin to awaken from a night of sleep, what happens? What does your mind do? What does your body want?

How we begin our day has an overwhelming impact on all the hours that follow, whether you groan out loud and bury your face under the pillows, resenting having to wake up at all, or your mind immediately begins to race before your feet even hit the floor.

Now, many of you may say there is no alternate formula for the morning routine – the start of the day has and forever will consist of getting up, supervising the children, running for the coffee-maker and heading out the door in a mad rush for the office. Many will argue that they’re just simply not “morning people.”

Like you, mornings aren’t necessarily by favorite time of the day either. But last year, I began working with a health and wellness coach, and this investment in my health inspired me to follow his prescription for a healthy morning routine as often as possible. I learned that to make the shift towards better morning self care. Yes, it certainly seemed like a stretch to me, but the benefits have far outweighed the challenges and inconveniences.

How to create a cardio routine

The following four insights explore how to begin your day in as healthy a way as possible.

Mindset

Recent studies have revealed that attitude and thoughts have a direct impact on health. Scientific observation has also shown that the simple act of smiling or laughing—even “fake” laughter or smiling—increases the levels of beneficial hormones circulating in the bloodstream. When you wake up, it’s important to consider making an effort to begin your day with a smile. If you have a partner willing to play along, make a pact to begin the day by turning towards one another and beginning the day with a smile or a laugh. When you do, endorphins and other “feel good” hormones will immediately be released and lift your mood as your brain awakens.

Also, try to make a habit of keeping your mind from immediately going into overdrive when you first wake up. Turn off the to-do lists, turn your mind away from what has to be done, and give your mind the chance to awaken gently. To-do lists are indeed important, but launching into them when you first wake up will cause stress hormones like cortisol to be released, a physiological process it is best to avoid first thing in the morning. (One suggestion is to keep a pad of paper near the bed and write down your to-do list before going to sleep).

Another way to keep your mind from going directly into logical left-brain mode upon awakening is to linger in a dreamy state, maybe writing down your dreams or sharing them with your partner.

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Want to get in shape? Get a buddy

1. Get Going, Get Cardio

The road to physical fitness and wellness can often be overwhelming, but there is no greater place to begin than starting a cardio exercise routine. Cardiovascular exercise is heart-pumping, sweat-inducing physical fitness that gets your body moving, mobilizes your joints and helps improve your cardiovascular system. Cardio exercise can not only improve your overall health, strength, and endurance, but it can increase energy and stamina throughout daily living. To begin a cardio exercise routine, start by sitting down and creating a list of all the activities you have formerly enjoyed or have wanted to try.

Want to get in shape? Get a buddy

2. Pick Your Favorites

Review your list of favorite activities and assess what sports or forms of fitness your might want to try. The key to creating a lasting cardio exercise routine is choosing activities that you enjoy. If you dislike a certain exercise (such as running or swimming), you will inevitably abandon your cardio goals because you will dread the routine. When in doubt, walking is always a wonderful place to start for cardiovascular fitness, because almost everyone can walk and enjoys the activity.

Start your routine slowly with only 15 minutes per day the first week, 20 minutes the second week and increase steadily as time goes on. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of physical activity five days per week can drastically reduce chances of disease, poor health and obesity, while fitting easily into the average busy lifestyle.

3. Schedule It In

Anyone can make time for physical fitness, but it is important to plan ahead in order to stick to a cardio routine. Strive to plan solid exercise “appointments” throughout the week, even if the cardio is divided into three 10 minute increments or otherwise. Studies have shown that it is the “accumulative effect of cardiovascular exercise that is beneficial to health,” as long as all workouts raise the heart rate and challenge the body effectively. This means that even if you only have 10 minutes to work out in the morning, try to break a sweat in that small amount of time.

Get a gold medal-worthy body

(From sheknows.com)

Toddlers don’t seem to have an off switch. Often, when they’re tired, they just reverberate faster, like an overwound toy… until they crash.

The bad news is that some kids seem to be born good sleepers, and some don’t. The good news is that falling asleep is a matter of habit, and all kids can learn it. It may take some time to develop that habit, but your busy toddler can learn to put himself to sleep, and to stay asleep, eventually.

Here’s how:

1. Start the wind-down process early in the evening. Toddlers who’ve been racing around can’t simply switch gears and decompress at bedtime. If dad comes home during the bedtime routine, make sure he reads a quiet story with the kids, rather than tossing them in the air as a welcome.

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2. Follow the same evening routine every night, if possible. Dinner, bath, stories, then kissing and tucking in all the stuffed animals who share the toddler’s bed, then prayers or blessings, then lights out while you sing to your little one, is common and effective. Beware of too elaborate a routine, because they have a way of expanding to take more time. Your goal is a sense of calm, safe, predictability.

Toddlers who are showing oppositional behavior may resist moving along with the bedtime routine. The best way to sidestep this is to have the clock, rather than you, be the bad guy. “Look, it’s 7:15! If we can get out of the tub now and brush your teeth, we’ll have time for an extra story before lights out at 7:30!” That way, you’re on his side, and he doesn’t need to rebel against you. He also begins to learn about responsibility and making smart choices.

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How to get your child to go to school

When school’s in session, you know a good night’s sleep is more important than ever – but try telling that to your kids!

Here are some get-’em-to-bed-and-get-’em-to-stay-there strategies:

Routine, routine, routine! Every night get your kids to wash up, put on their PJs, pick out their clothes for the next day and then get a story, in that order. They know what to expect, and children really seem to love that.

Read with them 30 minutes before bed. Allow reading time of 30 minutes for your kid in bed. If your kid is older, you can give a book and allow him to read quietly in bed before it is time to off the light. If your kid is younger, you can read for him. Choose a story such that both are interested in. once you make a habit of reading, it will become a regular bedtime routine.

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The bed time routine should not be a terror for both you and your kid. If your kid does not stay in bed, firmly take him back to bed. Continue this until your kid remains in bed. Not only you but many parents face this type of problem. Don’t give in. If you give in, you lose your control, temper and night’s sleep also.

The key to make your kid sleep is to try from early age and establish healthy habits that lasts a lifetime.

Baby bottle 101

The biggest challenge in any relationship is keeping a good set of checks and balances. A marriage, or any romantic relationship for that matter, depends on the smallest of details and the largest of emotions. Here are 5 ways to keep your love alive from shine.com:

1. Email your spouse with a quick note to say how much you appreciate something specific. For example: “Thanks for taking the trash out today! Made my morning go much more smoothly!”

2. Leave a loving message on his cell phone voice mail. You really can “just call to say I love you.” You can go the sexy route or just plain say, ” I wanted you to know I was thinking of you.”

Who’s your relationship role model?

3. Stick a note in his backpack or briefcase or whatever he carries to work each day. “Have a great day!” Decorating with stickers is optional.

4. Sweeten his day with a doughnut or another breakfast treat — box it up and leave it on the counter or in his car the night before. Or get up early and make him a specialty coffee to go. Try this copycat recipe for a mocha Frappucino. http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/starbucksmochafrap.htm

5. Deliver lunch — or at least have it delivered to him at the office if you know he’s having a particularly stressful day. Call his favorite take-out place and dish up something delicious.

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Define the relationship before it’s too late