Hi everyone!

This morning was particularly hard work, after a rough day yesterday. You know the ones where you wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus, when your brain wants to get up and get on with the day, but your body doesn’t play along – it’s in pain and it won’t move.

I hate these mornings, but thankfully not as much as I used to, because a) they’re happening less b) I now understand why it happens and that it’s just a temporary glitch. Plus, the  insight and understanding of my body means I know how to articulate what’s going on to the world around me, without frustration. And know when to push through the pain and when not too.

Some mornings do require a push, mainly because I have a job to go to and a life I’m enjoying again.  I’m careful not to book morning events or appointments at the weekend, as it’s too much pressure.

For the mornings where a little extra work is needed to get moving and out the door, here are five tips, with love from me to you.

Happy health x

The last thing you want when feeling achy and in pain. Yet, the power of a shower is amazing, both mentally and physically.

Cold showers: Stimulate our immune system, increase our alertness, frees the mind, and tightens the pores on our skin.

Hot showers: Relax our muscles, lowers body tension, helps with migraines, reduces anxiety, and opens pores.

Tips: Get the benefits of both. Have a hot shower, and finish with a colder burst of water.

 

Next time you have sofa surfing down time, and don’t know what to do with yourself – make a morning play list. Listen to it in the shower and when getting ready; it fills the room and your body with empowering energy. Choose uplifting, happy songs, which make you feel strong and motivated to get on with the day.

Note your favourite morning songs below or on Instagram, and let’s compile our very own Cancer Style Guide play list.

 

This is a little game I’ve been playing since my teenage years, to get through anxiety and low confidence issues. I now use it on the days I need an extra helping hand to get moving.

I have a couple of different role models, strong women I admire, who rock the show with spunk and sass.  At times when my strength or confidence is flagging, for whatever reason, I call on one of these women to help me through. And I channel them, in psychological role play.

I often call upon 80’s Madonna when needing to get to social events and don’t feel I can muster the energy. What would Madonna do? Would she cancel and stay in bed. Hell no! She’d put a scarf in her hair, big ear-rings, red lipstick and shake things up. Even only for a couple of hours. So I put on some tunes, get out the lippy, don a little sparkle, and attack the situation with her cheeky fun.

 

As tempting as it is to succumb to the pain, or comfort of staying in bed. You know mentally you’ll feel worst for it afterwards. You’ll beat yourself up for not getting to work / appointment  / event.

Whilst lying in bed, try projecting your day ahead. Go into detail; what you’re wearing, eating, doing and feel the joy from being there.

For example, today, I thought about myself at my desk, dressed, and having banter with my favourite colleagues. I was enjoying a cup of hot tea in my favourite mug, and laughing at the general silliness we get up to. It felt good. I started feeling the joy of the day ahead. That joy gave me a split second burst of energy to put my feet on the ground and get into the shower. After that, everything was that little bit easier. The day didn’t disappoint, it was ten times more joyous than the projection exercise.

 

And some days all you can do is brush your teeth, and that’s okay. Revive your mouth, wake-up your brain cells with a menthol boost, and feel that little bit more human.

This is more than just looking after your pearly whites. This adds a small healthy habit to your day, that will psychologically help you feel better, and more in control. Looking after yourself, even with something small (that most take for granted) is a form of self-love.

Tip: Have different tooth pastes for different needs. Milder flavours / strengths for the days your mouth is in pain / tingly, and stronger flavours for when you can handle some pow wow.