10 Ways to Start Fresh

I can think of countless times when I've done something or felt a certain way and just wanted to start over. I'm sure everyone can relate in one way or another. With exercise, diet (I always use this word in the basic sense, way-of-eating, not calorie-restricting), and even being a mom.

Really, it happens to me a couple times a week.

I was particularly thinking about do-overs this weekend when I had a mini-mental breakdown after missing my group run, eating several cookies for breakfast, and becoming extremely frustrated after Ada skipped a couple naps. Thing is, I can get myself all in a tizzy, ruining myself for the rest of the day unless I do something about it in the moment.

Here are 10 ways I start fresh in 5 minutes or less.

#1: Drink a glass of water. Especially when I've been eating poorly, drinking a glass of water feels cleansing. Sometimes I tell myself I'll start eating better "tomorrow" -- but with a tall, pure glass of water, I can start immediately.

#2: Walk around the block. Or jog as fast as you can. If I'm feeling frustrated, sometimes all I need is some fresh air and exertion to set me straight again. I use this method often, even sometimes at 9 pm at night.

#3: Take a shower. Again, water washes everything away. Especially stress. The white noise helps switch off my mind, too. Depending on how I'm feeling -- or the season -- I'll choose hot or cold water.

#4: Browse Pinterest. Sometimes I get so caught up in the creativity of others, I forget why I was so freaked out to begin with. Bonus if you can find a quick craft or tip to make/do before your 5 minutes is up.

#5: Stroll down memory lane. This one works well if you're having relationship problems. Get your partner and bring up lots of old photos from the beginning of your relationship either in a photo album or on your computer. You'll be laughing in no time.

#6: Do a cartwheel. Or strike a (yoga) pose. For me, if I do some sort of random acrobatic, it can usually snap me out of a funk -- whether I just don't feel like exercising or I'm stressed to the max.

#7: Change your clothes. This is for if I'm having one of those "fat days" that we all get. I hate those. Truth is, we all get bloated from time to time, that's what yoga pants and loose t-shirts are for. Lululemon has made a fortune on it.

#8: Scream (into a pillow). This one might sound a bit intense. But there have been times, particularly when Ada wouldn't breastfeed, when I'd get so worked up . . . the only thing that helped was screaming at the top of my lungs into a pillow. You can do this sans-pillow, too. But I find I can let loose if I don't think the neighbors will call the cops.

#9: Listen to your favorite song. Or watch a funny video, like the Winnebago Man (you may want to make sure the little ones leave the room if you watch that one!). Just something to escape and laugh.

#10: Close your eyes. Taking a nap, or even just getting horizontal for a few minutes, can help recharge your batteries. If you have trouble relaxing, try visualization instead. Turn the lights low, think of something positive, and breathe in/out.


Seriously, when this photo of the two of us in our first month of dating stops making us laugh, then we'll know our marriage is really in trouble!

How do you start fresh after frustration or funk? It seems I need these tips more and more these days! (And speaking of being snapped out of a funk, thank you so much for the kind comments and emails regarding the organic grocery post. I will respond soon!)

PS: Some of you new moms might appreciate one of the deals today over at Wise Bread -- the Angel Care 3-in-1 Video Monitor is being offered at Amazon.com for 10% off and FREE Super Saver Shipping.

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