Time is a precious commodity these days. We all have the same amount of time in a day and we all manage to fill this time and are still looking for more.
Time management is a challenge for many to optimize productivity. Many face their days with no plan and get to the end of the day wondering how the time got away from them and why they didn't get anything done.
I learned just within the last couple of years what a difference planning your day out and having a solid morning routine can make in your daily life.
Morning Routine
My morning routine consists of rising at 6 am (without hitting snooze).
I was an avid snoozer, hitting the button more than five times in a morning.
It has been scientifically proven that this makes you more drowsy during your day because it repeatedly wakes you from a incomplete sleep cycle.
Once I began getting out of bed as soon as my alarm goes off I experienced a lot less brain fog.
I read for about 20 to 30 minutes once I am out of bed. This is when I do my reading for growth. It is usually a non-fiction book. A book that promotes self-reflection or learning. The one I just re-read was Napoleon Hill's “Think and Grow Rich”.
Journalling
I then journal for about 15 to 20 minutes. This can be about anything. It could be about what I have just read, some visualization techniques, gratitude, etc. Whatever makes me feel best at the moment or what needs to come out of my mind makes its way onto the page.
Meditation
Then, I will put on my ear phones, find a meditation on Youtube (I like Davidji or Joe Dispenza) and get in the gap for about 20-30 minutes before it's time to wake my son up and get him ready for school.
Scheduling
After my son is off to school, the productive part of my day begins. I work both at home and also for a company in my home town, so my time is split between the two.
Some people use tools, such as alarms, to signal breaks while working. I prefer not to do that because I like to delve deep into my zone. If I get on a roll with writing, I don't like to be interrupted by an alarm.
A good rule of thumb, especially for those who have trouble with focus, is to work steadily with no distractions for about 25 minutes and take a five minute break. Do this over a period of a few hours and break for lunch, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
My schedule is a little looser than this because of my creative process. I do take breaks though to move my body and stretch out. Sitting for long periods of time with no movement is hard on the back and shoulders and cause discomfort.
Exercise
Exercise is also very important for productivity. Exercise released endorphins and increases energy. When you want to accomplish tasks during your day, exercise is important. It keeps our energy up, our moods up and creates a more productive and creative person. Extra points if you can do it outside.
I always manage to fit in 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day whether it be walking, or weight lifting, or a video I found online.
People have asked me why I don't exercise in the morning because some say it is the best time to do so.
I have always found that the morning is my weakest time. I'm not sure why, but I have always been able to lift heavier and go harder in the afternoon or evening. It seems to be different for everyone.
I do some light stretching in the morning but I leave heavier workouts for later so I don't pull anything or injure myself.
Over the two years I have been tweaking and playing with my daily routine and I have found a solid morning routine, exercise and planned work periods throughout the day have been the changes that have increased my production ten fold.
I no longer go through my day unsure of what to do or where to go next. I normally always have a game plan the night before so there are no questions and no rushing around after hitting snooze six times.
Take care, guys!
XOXO
Jenn
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