We only get one start to each day.
There’s no going back once that alarm goes off and we toss the sheets aside (or lethargically push them off of ourselves).
If only that damn snooze button would give me more than 9 extra minutes! Well, technically it’s 27 minutes by the time my limp wrist thwaps it for the third time.
It’s not easy waking up if we have nothing exciting to look forward to; nothing to get our blood flowing and our mojo moving. Sitting behind a desk or dealing with bitching customers all day would deter me from even setting an alarm.
But what if, just maybe, you had something to look forward to when you wake up tomorrow?
It may sound ridiculous at first, but hear me out…
Start off on the right foot, or the left foot depending on your style.
I’m suggesting that within 30 minutes of pulling yourself out of bed you… Dance.
Unconventional - yes.
Ridiculous - maybe.
Crazy enough to work - absolutely.
You may be thinking, “I hate dancing, why the hell would I be excited to dance first thing in the morning?”
Because you are a unique cat who wants to get the most out of your day and is willing to try just about anything to do so. If you don’t want to start your day off with more energy and some pep in your step, feel free to stop reading.
This is really simple, and it takes even less effort than you may think (or more, depending on how much you are willing to give).
The simplest 7 step process to feeling great (ever…)
1) Get out of bed
2) Do your business – if you need to (it’s natural, I don’t feel awake until I poop)
3) Grab your iPod and headphones or fire up your stereo
4) Find yourself some space – living room, basement, or even outside
5) Pick out a jam that really gets you going, shaking, and jiving
6) Press play
7) Move to the music
That’s it.
Completely forget about how you look or what you consider to be “good” dancing – it doesn’t matter – especially because no one will be watching (unless you want them to). You can get really into it and flail your whole body to the beat, or you can go the more subtle route by tapping your feet and doing a little head bobbing. The key is that you are moving.
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on team is dancing time!
The most important moments
I’ve heard it said many times before,
the first moments of the day are the most important; they set the tone for all that comes after.
Now, I’m positive there is some study out there that confirms this belief, but that’s irrelevant. The first moments may or may not affect the entire rest of our day, but I can assure you they affect how our day starts, which usually plays a role in the remaining 23+ hours.
I’m basing this off of personal results, the results of trusted friends, and discussions with fitness professionals. When some form of physical activity is performed near the beginning of the day, 99% of the time I have more energy, am happier, and am slower to get frustrated or upset when presented with a challenge. There is something about moving the body that helps clear the mind and enhance our mood.
But you don’t have to trust me. All I ask is that you try it out for yourself. Just one day if nothing else – ideally one week to lessen the effect of uncontrollable variables and give you a chance to find your rhythm.
In case you were wondering if I actually walk the walk, I don’t – I dance the dance. I made a little video (below) as evidence of my badass moves and crazy shenanigans (click here if no video is visible). Hopefully this will provide you with the motivation to wake up and move (if nothing else, it should give you a good laugh).
Think of the possibilities if you started each day with a huge smile on your face…
Enjoy The Journey
P.S. Don’t be shy about sharing your own videos of sweet dance moves, just saying.
*if dancing isn’t your thing, cool. The whole idea of this experiment is to get your body moving in the morning. If you just give it a shot I promise you’ll see some positive effects.
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Favorite moments: The moment of reflection at the window and of course the counter slide/flip over the couch. Me and Jo were getting down. Good song choice.
Moments of reflection are important during any intense dance session. That way you’re better prepared to flail even harder during the second half of the song.
Thanks for sharing you favorite moments Q!
(say hi to Jo for me)
Outstanding! I have to say I was being cynical sally and thought there was no way I’d actually do this, but then after thinking about it, why not? I’m a phenomenal dancer and I could use a little more energy. Even though your video is 2 legit 2 quit…challenge accepted! I will top it. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow…but soon and you’ll remember it for the rest of your life. I won’t be able to match your production quality (amazing by the way), but damn if I won’t shake what my momma gave me real good.
There’s no room here for cynical Sally, so I’m glad you gave her the boot. And I’m glad you asked one of my favorite questions: why not?
Don’t hide your phenomenal dance skills, because even though I’ve seen you shake what yo momma gave you real good, doesn’t mean the world has. I look forward to your response to my challenge good sir. God help you if it’s so good I lose sleep over it…
Lindsay (office bff) and I just watched this together. She wants to become official friends with you now.
Um, of course. But we weren’t official friends before?
This is amazing. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that does impromptu dance parties. Dancing also helps to stay warm during cold Canadian winters! I don’t have videos, but I do have a play-by-play I wrote afterward:
Minute 1: Wearing toque (Canadian beanie), sweater, pants and socks. Toes frozen.
Minute 8: Starting to warm up, take off toque and sweater. Toes still frozen.
Minute 12: Being attacked by dog who wants to dance with me. Toes still frozen. Minute 15: Slip and fall on my bum. Toes warming up now.
Minute 20: Actually starting to get sweat beads on my face. Toes warmer.
Minute 28: Out of breath, taking more clothes off. I can actually feel my toes now.
Minute 30: Finished my ‘dance to keep warm’ routine.
Minute 35: Where’s my toque and sweater? I am cold again.
Haha, I love it! 35 minutes is one hell of a long “dance to keep warm” routine, so kudos my friend. Aren’t impromptu dance parties the best?!
Stay warm in Canada Socha, thanks for sharing your play-by-play. It’s always great to hear from you.
Loved the video! You got the music in you, that is for sure!
Thanks Linda! But I know I’m not the only one; I’ve seen your moves…
Yes, yes, yes…and yes! Loved it. Keep dancing Gangnam Style!
Always Brotha! Great to hear from you!