THE IMPORTANCE OF A DAILY ROUTINE
Many people reject routines because they would rather be adventurous and go with the flow. But there’s something to be said about keeping a routine: it can improve overall health, wellbeing and productivity. How you wake up each day and your morning routine dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life.
How you wake up each day and your morning routine dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life. Focused and productive mornings carry over to successful days and ultimately successful lives.
There are many ways to get into a routine, but the number one rule is to make it work for you. Just because a routine works for your friend or family member doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Take time for yourself and keep a routine in your sleep, eating and exercise. These are three crucial rules for living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Remember, this is your life and you have to do it the way that works best for you.
Bedtime habits: Go to bed and wake up each day around the same time. This is the first step to start a routine. By going to bed at the same time, you programme your body to get into a ritual of sleeping a set number of hours. When you feel energetic, studies suggest self-esteem rises but feeling tired can have the opposite effect.
In order to fall asleep at night, strive to turn off all electronic devices (computers, phones, tablets) at least 30 minutes prior to getting into bed. Allow your eyes to relax and catch a break from the stimulation of a lit screen. Read a book, write in a journal or write out your to-do list for the following day. By releasing your thoughts in writing, you can also release stress and tension and put your mind at ease.
Set an alarm clock if you cannot wake up automatically at the same time every morning., avoid having a mobile phone in your bedroom. Consider adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillow to relax and calm the mind before bed. Take a few deep breaths once you lay down to release tension.
When you wake up in the morning and want to feel energised and ready for the day, set an intention or goal for the day. Determine what it is you want to accomplish or feel throughout the day. A daily meditation practice, even if it is brief, can help you feel grounded, at ease and more prepared for the day. According to neuroscientists, meditation physically changes the brain. Your practice can be two minutes or 20 minutes, whatever works best for you and your mind and body. There are many guided meditations available free online to get you started.
Start today to get the most out of your days.
