It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week’s topic is “A Day in the Life.” I started writing this and I fell asleep. Kidding. But, seriously, other than when I travel, I am kind of a routine fanatic. When I am home, I can be found repeating the same things over and over. Remember, I work from home most days, so… there is not a ton of variety. So, this “five” will be “5 Things I Do (Almost) Every Day.”
5 Things I Do (Almost) Every Day
1. Exercise. Typically, I work out, or run, first thing in the morning. Well, I get up, clean up, (many days) take a photo out our window, check messages for work/blog/email and then exercise. On weekdays, I am pretty routine about it. Monday – speedwork, Tuesday – pilates, Wednesday – run with the girls, Thursday – varies and Friday – run or spin or other. I try to do my 7 Minute Work Out “Smart Workout” at least 2 times during the week, too.
2. Coffee. Each morning that I work from home, I make a 6 cup pot of coffee and I drink it. All. Myself. And, I love it. My fave is Cinnamon (has cinnamon in it – not artificial) from The Coffee and Tea Exchange. If you come to Chicago, get this coffee. You’re welcome. I like to drink out of fun mugs, too.
3. Breakfast. I start every morning with a healthy breakfast of butternut squash or sweet potato, fruit and some kind of protein. Sometimes, I have some kind of granola or high protein / all natural energy bar or a piece of it. My butternut squash may seem a bit strange, but high quality, all natural food for breakfast is key for me. I start as many days as possible off with healthy unprocessed food. Why? Every day is a new day. I try not to “start my diet on Monday.” Some days, breakfast is my highest calorie meal. It works for me because I am a morning exerciser.
4. Work, Blog and Computer Stuff. When I work from home, I typically start with work email, then personal email and blog email. My company’s office is in San Francisco, so I generally don’t have meetings before 10 AM. This is great because I like to have a 0 email inbox, then create lists of high priority “to-do’s” and then get started on projects and calls for the day. I love having the time to do some blog correspondence during the day. Oh, and I listen to NPR (WBEZ) when I am not on calls and enjoy the random chats with The Husband and gchat with friends, too.
Typically, I write blog posts at night and proofread them when I wake up and post before hitting the gym or run. Since I started wearing my Fit Bit, I am better about getting up and walking during phone calls or taking lunch breaks to run errands on foot. Some days, I am tied to the chair but I try not to be.
5. Epsom Salt Bath. About 3 or 4 nights a week, I take an epsom salt bath. TMI? Maybe. I can often be found “taking a soak.” There are many benefits for me. The obvious one of getting relaxed and soothing sore muscles, but just as importantly, it is my 20 minutes of unplugged time. I leave my phone outside and just relax and read. It is restorative for the muscles and the mind.
So there you have it. Routine and boring, but it works for me. I also travel a lot, but I still try to work out, eat healthy (especially for breakfast) and I always get my dose of caffeine!
What are 5 things you do (almost) every day?
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