Wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, go to bed. Sometimes it can feel like you are living your life on repeat. The same daily routine, day in, day out, over and over again, without deviation.
The daily toil can become dull.
But those repetitive routines that bring structure to your day can actually be your secret weapon. They help to increase productivity, fight procrastination and ease anxiety. After all, knowing what to expect each day is reassuring and helps you to get the most out of every minute.
That’s one of the reasons schools have timetables, scheduling students hours including periods for lunch, rest, and socialization.
This sort of rigid schedule allows you to truly enjoy your downtime because you know the important things are all taken care of.
What are the things you do each day as soon as you wake up? Stretching, meditating and eating a good breakfast are all ways to wake up and positively kickstart your day. At Fabulous we understand the power of morning routines but it shouldn’t stop there.
Imagine developing a set of daily routines that ensure you feel fired up and ready for any challenge that comes your way. Fabulous can help you do exactly that.
Don’t worry about this routine becoming boring, although it will be a reliable daily regime, you’ll craft it to include only those activities that inspire and motivate you towards positive change.
Instead of getting to your desk tired and in a whirlwind of caffeine and forgotten chores, on this plan, you’ll make each day count.
It all starts the night before.
Preparation is Key
Taking a few moments before bed to pre-pack a healthy lunch, lay out your workout clothes or jot down your most pressing tasks for the new day ahead can help you to get the most out of your morning hours. The things you’ve prepared ahead also act like triggers the next day to remind you to complete your healthy habits!
Drink Up
One of the first habits you develop in the Fabulous app is starting each day by drinking water. It’s a healthy routine to develop, hydrating your body and brain so you can start the day refreshed. Put a water bottle by your bedside right now so you’re ready for the morning.
Make Time For Exercise
Starting each day with exercise is a great way to develop laser focus, in fact, one study found a 20% increase in concentration after working out. Pick an activity that you really enjoy and get physical as soon as you wake up.
Alternatively, work out in the middle of the day before the afternoon slump hits or later in the evening to encourage a restful nights sleep. Whichever time you choose, make it part of your daily routine for total health.
Feeling squeezed for time or worried your fitness isn’t up to snuff for a full workout? Try our scientifically proven 7-Minute Workout MMF to get yourself moving!
Snack Smart
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to give you energy for the day ahead. Research shows that breakfast eaters tend to have a lower BMI than those who skip the first meal of the day.
Taking regular breaks throughout the day to eat snacks high in protein will also keep you feeling full and able to avoid those sneaky energy dips.
Here are some options to choose from:
- Fruit with nut butter
- Eggs
- Yogurt with fruit
- Chicken or fish fillets with fresh vegetables.
Write in Your Journal
Julia Cameron, author of “The Artist’s Way” encourages everyone to follow a practice called “morning pages” where you write out three pages of longhand thoughts before you start each day. This brain dump technique helps to simplify your thought processes and unleash your creativity.
Whether you choose Cameron’s technique or another one, journaling is a powerful outlet for your worries, emotions, and plans for the future. Give it a try by adding the ‘Write in My Journal’ habit to your morning routine.
Prioritize Your Most Important Tasks
Do you ever get to the end of a long day and find that you didn’t actually make any progress on your most important project?
One of the best ways to increase your productivity is by prioritizing your daily tasks. Take a few moments to really consider what you need to achieve today.
Once you identify the top three tasks try the Blistering Focus Make Me Fabulous exercise. This will guide you through two hours of structured productive work time free from distractions.
Use Your Commute for Self Improvement
Time spent in traffic or on public transit shouldn’t be wasted. Instead of zoning out or feeling agitated, put those minutes to good use by doing some reading or listening to an audiobook. Choosing self-improvement titles is especially beneficial.
Add the “Read” habit to your morning or afternoon routine or choose a short Make Me Fabulous Meditation to help you feel grounded and calm.
Set Limits
Constant updates and pings on smartphones can derail your progress and make it difficult to concentrate. Turn your phone to “do not disturb” for set periods of the day to encourage stretches of sustained focus.
Another tip is to avoid your email account for the first few hours of the day until you have made progress on your most important tasks. Most messages can wait until lunchtime and rates of efficiency tend to be higher in the mornings.
Build in Time for Creativity and Hobbies
Developing interests outside of work can actually make you a better and more productive employee. Creative pursuits improve your problem-solving abilities and boost feelings of happiness and relaxation, even when you’re back at the office.
Turn off the TV tonight and instead take a painting class, learn to knit, practice your chess game, or play a musical instrument.
Evening Routines for Better Sleep
One of the best habits you can develop for total health and wellness is to commit to getting better sleep every night.
Proper sleep hygiene includes creating a cool and restful space to go to sleep, moving the TV and other technology out of the bedroom, and taking time to relax in the evening.
Try the Fabulous Visualize Deep Sleep Meditation, and follow these tips to get the best nights sleep of your life.
Build in Rewards
Your brain responds to rewards. A key element in creating long-lasting habits is making the process automatic and enjoyable.
Build in little treats that encourage you to make better, healthier choices every day. For instance, if you want to work out more, buy some updated gear or an attractive new water bottle and keep them somewhere visible!
Rewards that make up the habit loop need to be immediate but don’t forget to also celebrate your overall success by taking the time to treat yourself regularly in more significant ways.
Maybe that’s booking a massage, or taking a morning off work once a month. Whatever appeals to you, plan to reward yourself for committing to healthy and productive daily habits.
Find What Works for you
Be flexible when creating your own daily routines. Not every suggestion will work for every personality type. For instance, if you are a night bird no amount of positive self-talk will make you enjoy getting up before you have to. Choose the established habits that work for you and disregard those that don’t.
You’ll find once these steps become part of your regular routine your productivity and happiness will soar.
