When I wake up in the morning, and this is what I see from my office window (home office, that is), sometimes I just have to go surfing. Surfing first thing in the morning is the MOST invigorating activity in the world. It’s physically strenuous, it calms the mind, and it somehow cleans the spirit (especially if there are big wipeouts that include large quantities of water in nasal cavities). Like horse-back riding, the act of matching and adapting your movements to those of another force is exhilarating. Afterwards, my shoulders and upper arms are happily tired and my abs and lower back have had a good workout. After a quick shower and a large, healthy breakfast, I am ready to do battle with any and all tasks that the day may bring.

Do you exercise in the morning? Do you have a secret anti-stress/depressant activity like morning surf sessions?

(Note to all you big bad surfers out there: 1) although these waves LOOK small, they are about 1.5 meters tall; and 2) I am what I call a “small wave surfer”. I have a large wave phobia and I’m ok with that. As long as it is well formed and has some power, I prefer those little (insert: safer) waves. I’m 30, I have a baby, and much less strength than I used to.)