Getting your day off to the right start is essential to having a happy, successful and productive quality of life.  If you are feeling overly stressed or feel that you don’t have enough time, it might be time that you thought about giving yourself a little more “you time” in the morning.  It could be just what you need to feel better about what you are doing.

Wake Up Earlier

Rising before the rest of the world gives you time to contemplate, exercise, and plan your day.  It is a great feeling to get up before everyone else and watch the day begin to unfold.  You will soon find that giving yourself time to mentally prepare for the day ahead of you gives you and a sense of purpose that you didn’t have when you felt rushed.

Breathe Easier

Early morning is a great time to practice conscious breathing.  Often, we don’t have any other time throughout the day to use this beneficial practice.  You will begin to feel more centered when you work on your breathing, and the stresses of the upcoming events of the day will seem less burdensome.

Take a Walk

Walking early in the morning is a great feeling, especially without the hustle and bustle of the day getting in your way.  The world is calmer and more serene, and you are able to think clearly about the things you want to think about.  Getting the blood flow going early is also beneficial to your overall health and well-being.

Exercise Your Body and Mind

Doing light exercise when you have enough time gets your day off to a great start and ultimately makes you look and feel better overall.  Calisthenics and yoga are wonderful ways to get the blood flowing and loosen up your limbs for the day ahead.  

Exercise your mind with your favorite puzzles, or some light reading to gain clarity and focus. Sharpening your mind early in the morning makes sure you’re on point for the rest of the day.

Relax Before Crunch Time

Early morning time is also a great opportunity for you to put things in perspective.  Plan out your day, then sit back and enjoy the world around you with a cup of your favorite tea or other beverage.  Giving yourself a few minutes to relax before jumping into things gives much-needed perspective for when things begin to get hectic.

Skin cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are diagnosed each year. Skin cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells on the human body and left unchecked could spread to various other organs and tissues. As our skin is the largest organ of the body, we should all be knowledgeable about this dangerous and sometimes deadly form of cancer.

Non melanoma cancers develop in the epidermis which is the outer layer of skin or cover internal and external body surfaces. The majority of these cases appear in areas that are directly exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, back and hands. These cancers rarely spread to other body parts. Cancers that develop in the epidermis are generally visible with the naked eye which makes early detection possible. Basal cell carcinoma is characterized by raised, fleshy tumors with a symmetrical nature. They are often mistaken for sores that haven’t healed. Squamous cell carcinoma on the other hand is characterized by red, scaly or crusty patches on the skin that can bleed.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is generally sun related. It accounts for around 60,000 newly diagnosed cases and the majority of skin cancer related deaths in the United States. It is also the most common form of cancer in young people aged 20-39. This cancer develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigmentation called melanin, which helps to protect our bodies from harmful sun rays. Melanoma commonly appears in a large, asymmetrical area with irregular borders and color variations. Typically brown and black looking, these lesions can change shape, color and even elevation.

Great care should be taken for those individuals with a family history of skin cancer and people with fair and light complexions, as they have less melanin than darker skinned individuals. Steps that can minimize one’s chances of contracting skin cancer include, avoiding unprotected or excessive exposure to the sun, wear sunscreen at all times, wear clothes and hats for protection, and avoid artificial tanning or sun lamps. People should also avoid tobacco related products, seek immediate medical attention for burns and be aware of any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Our skin protects our muscles, bones and internal organs from dangerous outside elements. We should do the same for our skin and reduce our risk for skin cancer.