The Morning Routine You'll Learn to Love

We all have our own morning routines. Some include walking the dog, having coffee, watching the news, getting up before the sun, exercising, having breakfast, or even hitting snooze. Regardless of what your morning routine consists of, no one likes to think about it...especially on a Monday morning. But if you are an entrepreneur, your morning routine is the most important part of your day.

The daily routine of any small business owner or entrepreneur is jammed packed to max with calls, answering emails, going out on appointments, or working with employees. Most entrepreneurs' days begin very early and end very late. They are similar to sales reps, except entrepreneurs and small business owners have all the responsibilities of running and operating a business to worry about in addition to making sales and closing deals. This is why entrepreneurs need to begin their days off on the right foot.

Some entrepreneurs spend the evening the night before creating to-do lists, organizing their email inbox as much as possible, and checking their calendars for meetings, appointments, calls, deadlines, and tasks that are scheduled for the day. The next morning, some entrepreneurs start the day off right with some form of exercise. We all know exercise gets the blood flowing, increases energy, and boosts the body's metabolism. Studies have shown that morning exercise is when it is the most effective as it gives entrepreneurs energy to tackle the day ahead.

Of course, not all entrepreneurs and small business owners have the option to get up early, because in most cases, the time you get up depends on when you go to bed...unless you are one of those people that can function on very little sleep. So what about restaurant owners? Most restaurant owners don't go to bed until 3AM, especially during the weekends which are typically peak business times with customers. However, morning routines are all relative. For example, if an entrepreneur goes to bed at 3AM, waking up at 10AM the next morning could be equivalent to another entrepreneur's 5AM.

As an entrepreneur I can tell you that setting and sticking to a morning routine is tough. Most of you know that in addition to running my business, I also work a full time job that involves commuting a total of 90 minutes, one way, each day. I'm up at 4:15AM most mornings to get in at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise. While I exercise, I'm on my iPad going over my calendar and email, all while mentally planning and anticipating my day. I'm dressed and out the door with the morning's first cup of coffee by 6AM, to be on the train by 6:34AM. I have at least an hour-long train ride, so I use that hour to get work done. By the time I sit down in the office by 7:30AM - 7:45AM, I'm ready for my next cup of coffee, my breakfast, and to start my full time job. 

My days end between 4PM and 5PM depending on the day and the season. Again, I use the hour train ride home to get work done. I'm typically home for the evening by 6PM and 7PM. I make myself a healthy dinner, play with the cats, and then it's back to my office (or my couch some nights) with my laptop for more of my business work. On slower or quieter evenings, sometimes I'll fit in an evening work out to unwind and relieve stress and tension from the day. I'm typically in bed by 9 - 9:30PM because I'm up so early the next morning.

In any given week, I work between 80 and 90 hours per week. And that's not a made up number or an estimate. The challenge sometimes is my family and friends. They often complain to me about my schedule. Why is my schedule so important? Why can't you come out with us? Why do you schedule things so tightly? My only reply is that it's the only way I can do both.

I have personally found that once I started incorporating a rigorous morning routine that I not only became healthier, but I developed a more positive and happier outlook on the day. It allowed me to get in the right frame of mind to tackle the day. I don't tell my own story to boast, but rather explain the sacrifices that are necessary to run your own business. And if I can do it, you can. Of course, not everyone's life is the same. Some of you have families, children, taking care of sick loved ones, or even work a part time job in the evenings. Even if you take 30 minutes for yourself each day, you'd be surprised what you can accomplish and how different you will feel.

Many entrepreneurs have similar stories to tell about how they go about their days and how they start their days. It's a choice, really. How you choose to start your day or the attitude you carry with you during the day is a choice, most of the time. Sure, we all have bad days. Sure, things happen that we can't control. And, sure, some days just flat out suck no matter what you do. But at the end of the day, literally, tomorrow is a new one. So start it out right.

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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

The Art of Pole Dancing

What do you think of when you hear "pole dancing"?

Strippers, right? Of course. Pole dancing definitely comes with that stigma. If you pole dance, then you work in a strip club. However, few people in our American culture actually think of where pole dancing actually originates from.

Where Does Pole Dancing Come From?

By definition pole dancing is a performing art that involves a combination of gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance. Prior to coming to America in the 1920s, pole dancing actually originated from the Chinese. The Chinese performed pole dancing in circus and cabaret events. There are even many modern day shows that feature pole dancing routines in them, such as Cirque du soleil. Pole dancing eventually moved from under circus tents to bars and clubs in the 1950s...which is where the concept of "gentleman's clubs" and strippers came about.

Many would argue that pole dancing involves revealing, risqué, or sexy clothing. While this may be true, pole dancing outfits don't necessarily have to involve sexy or "slutty" outfits. Those who perform or attend regular pole dancing performances, competitions, classes, and lessons wear a tank top or sports bra and shorts. High heels aren't always necessary. In fact, many prefer bare feet. The reason for this is bare skin is needed in order to properly stick to and grip the pole to position and hold many of the moves. Wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts or leotards make this more difficult. Not to mention, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancers also wear "skimpy" clothing which is considered "normal" and accepted in sports and in society.

Pole Dancing in the Olympics?

Although it is still somewhat of a new concept, pole dancing is evolving and becoming more popular and recognized as a dance and art form rather than solely associated with strip clubs. It is even becoming more widely known and recognized as a form of exercise.

In addition, recently with the 2012 Olympics, many are considering the possibility of including pole dancing as an Olympic sport. In fact, most pole dancing competitions involve non-erotic movements and performances. It's all about agility, beauty, and pure skill. Many professional dance competitions even feature performances and routines that include mixtures of ballet and interpretive dance movements.

In fact, despite popular belief, pole dancing can be very strenuous. Pole dancing is a mixture of modern dance with incredible strength and endurance. It takes incredible upper and lower body strength as well as abdominal strength. Many of the moves require this in order to create smooth, fluid, graceful, and beautiful movements.

Pole Dancing and the Battle of the Sexes

Furthermore, pole dancing is also becoming increasingly popular with men. While women still fight for pole dancing to be accepted as a genuine art and form of exercise in society, men have an even more daunting battle. Although women are typically labeled as "strippers" or "whores", it is more acceptable for men to watch a women pole dance, even though it may be unfair to label women as such. However, male pole dancers are not accepted by either sex. Similar to male gymnasts and cheerleaders, men are constantly fight for their masculinity. Men who are dancers—or let's even take it one step further—men who are successful in any performing art are often labeled as gay. In fact, the July 2012 issue of Pole Spin magazine features male pole dancers right on the front page.

Unfortunately, there will always be these stereotypes. Even extremely athletic women are stereotyped. Because the kind of sport that you excel in or engage yourself in is automatically linked to your sexuality or sexual preferences, right? But that's a blog for another day...

Take a pole fitness class and see for yourself.

Today there are many pole fitness studios that are appearing in many communities. In addition, many gyms and recreational centers even offer pole fitness classes in addition to spinning, aerobics, zumba, etc. While many men and women take these classes for exercise, they can't deny how great they feel afterwards. 

All in all, a lot more goes into pole dancing than erotic movements and sexy outfits...or even full blown "stripping". It is true that some men and women wish to take pole classes for "professional club" purposes. No judgement there. But for those who wish to seek pole dancing and appreciate its beauty and art should no longer be ashamed. Pole dancing is a rigorous activity and amazing exercise, for any age or sex. It mixes cardio, aerobics, and a large amount of strength exercising all in one class. Take a pole fitness class and see for yourself.

Image credit: ELEGANCE
© Antony Rufus | Dreamstime.com

Written content: © 2010, 2011, 2012, J.H. Language Solutions

Health, Beauty, and Fitness for Women On-the-Go

Women are under a lot of pressure. Society pushes and holds women to reach unrealistic and even unhealthy expectations. We have to be beautiful, healthy, slim and slender, and athletic. We must hold down good jobs, have an exciting careers, and be shrewd business women. At the same time, we have to be good mothers, good wives or girlfriends, and still make time for our friends. We have to wear designer clothes, our nails always have to be perfectly manicured, and look great in a bikini. We have to be educated, talented, and respected.

Not only is it exhausting, but it's damn near impossible. Society just has unrealistic expectations. However, there are some areas that are within our control. These three key areas all tie into probably the most important thing, and that is our overall health.

We all lead busy lives today. Gone are the days where women are stay-at-home moms and the ability to support a family on solely one income. As a result, more women than ever are working and even dominating the work force. Women were finally able to find jobs, receive respect, and even work in executive level positions.

While this was a huge accomplishment for women as well as for women's rights, it clearly came with a price. Not only did women finally receive the respect they deserve, but we weren't relieved from our other responsibilities. This could be due to the point mentioned above where families need at least two incomes to make ends meet, or maybe we believe that no one can be better "mothers" than us. Whatever the reason, we've got our word cut out for us.

While our lives are more than demanding, we have to remember how important it is to take time for ourselves. I know you are sitting there thinking, "yeah, right, how?" I thought the same thing. It can be done. Even when you don't think you have one extra minute in the day for anyone or anything, let alone yourself, you'd be surprised how much better you will feel when incorporating these health, beauty, and fitness tips each day.

Health tips: what to eat vs. what not to eat - REALLY.

This is probably one of the hardest habits to break. Since our lives are so on-the-go, it is hard to sit down and eat, let alone cook a good meal; not to mention food costs. It's becoming increasingly expensive to eat healthy. Fresh fruits and vegetables aren't exactly the cheapest foods to buy. However, if you are able to cut some extraneous expenses from your budget, such as eating out or even cable, for example, you'll notice that you are able to put that money towards eating better.

Two pieces of advice in eating right: eat one carb per day (bread, pasta, potatoes, etc.) and cut down on your sodium intake. You'll notice the pounds shedding off if you begin to incorporate these eating habits. It's difficult at first, not going to lie. But once you get in the habit of it, you'll begin to feel great. Your sleep patterns will improve as well as your overall digestive health.

Beauty tips: The essentials: Exfoliation methods, nail care, hair care.

Who has time for beauty? When you are rushing out the door in the morning, struggling to get the kids ready, and making lunches, who has time to do their hair? It's tough, I know. However, if possible, you can incorporate beauty habits at night before you go to bed. The essentials? At least make enough time to wash your face and moisturize. One of the worst things you can do for your face next to not waging sunscreen is not washing about face before bed. If you can exfoliate and moisturize at least once a day, your skin will undoubtedly improve. It will look cleaner, fresher, and younger.

Wrinkles are inevitable, there's no stopping them. But you can help them. Any woman over the age of 25 should be using an age-fighting moisturizer. There are a lot of great exfoliation and age-fighting moisturizers, cleaners, and oer products out there that are relatively inexpensive. Revlon, L'Oreal, and Mary Kay are some of my personal favorites.

Use a mask at least once a week. It takes about one minute to apply to your neck and face and then you can let it sit for about 10 minutes while you put the kids to bed, spend some time talking to hubby, or even while you do some leg lifts or crunches.

Fitness tips: You'd be surprised what twenty minutes per day can do.

So that brings us to fitness. This is probably the hardest one.its hard to find the time to exercise, let alone the energy. However, if you can dedicate twenty minutes per Dayton do some crunches, push ups, or leg lifts, you'll be amazed at how differently you'll feel the next day and the progress you can make after only six weeks.

In addition to your twenty mi uses per day, at least once per week to take yoga class. Not only are they amazing for your body, but they also help reduce stress.

All in all, no one said being a woman was easy. We are unfortunately tied to many responsibilities and expectations. For those women who are dedicated to making a difference in any of these areas...my advice? Perfect the ability to multitask. It may seem inefficient or stupid, but for me, it works. However, at the end of the day, you have to feel good about YOU. Forget society's expectations or cliches. Enjoy being a woman!

The Power of Yoga

Life is stressful. You don’t have to read this to know that. We all battle jobs, sometimes more than one, families, money, maybe even school, and maybe even all of the above. Have you ever heard someone say “there aren’t enough hours in the day?” Of course you have. The thing is, there are enough hours in the day, we just juggle too much. So what can you do about it to try and de-stress? Try yoga. Some of you may be reading this and thinking, “yeah, right. Yoga is SO not for me.” I get it. I was right there with you at one time. But like anything, “don’t knock it, til you try it”.

Maybe you are already participating regularly in a yoga class. If so, good for you! You have probably already begun to notice the differences in your attitude and stress level. If you haven’t, perhaps it’s time to give it a try.

Here are some great health benefits one can get from doing yoga:

•   Reduce stress

•   Open your mind

•   Lower blood pressure

•   Improve digestive system

•   Increase flexibility

•   Improve sleep patterns

•   Improve overall health

Also, don’t forget, it’s great exercise! It helps improve and maintain flexibility as well as tone your body and even help with your breathing patterns.

It may be tricky to fit in a yoga class or two, or it may be difficult to even find the time to exercise when you are working full time, or taking care of a family, or trying to study or even run a business. However, if you can make time for at least one class a week, or even do a few exercises before bed or first thing when you get up in the morning, it will make a world of difference.

Now, of course I’m no doctor, but in just the differences I’ve seen in my balance, sleep patterns, and overall health, it’s definitely worth trying…and I only do it maybe once a week. Yoga classes are pretty much held anywhere today to classes at the gym right down to private sessions. You can even get a Yoga or fitness game for the Wii that you can practice in your own home, if you have one.