Keeping that Daily Routine

Taking care of yourself has always been important, but now it’s more important than ever.  Sure, it can be more complicated now. But just take it day by day. One thing that I find helpful is to continue to stick to some type of routine. Easier said than done, right.

Today I am sharing, and these are in no particular order, ways to continue to have little bits of normalcy in your every day.

Take the time to get dressed- I can’t stress this one enough if you are WFH. It may seem pointless and way easier to stay in those every so comfy PJs, but getting dressed has shown to boost your over all mood.  It sets the tone for the day.  You know that saying “you are what you eat”….well something similar can be applied here minus the eating part.  So get dressed even if it is “business on top.” Here are a few articles that speak to this point…Dress for Success  and Mullet Wear.

Turn off screens for 30 minutes to an hour-Yes, you read that right. I don’t think I need to show the research on this one. Our society is addicted to technology, Im at fault too ya’ll. Before quarantine we were already on our hones, tvs, and computers.  But now with the zoom meetings after zoom meetings, working out to You-tube videos, house partying with friends its WAY TOO much.  Our screens need a break just as much as we do.  So schedule 30 minutes to an hour of no screen time where you journal or meditate (these are on the list too), read a book, cook a meal, or take a bath.

Move your body-Get your butt out of that chair or off that couch. Getting your body moving will help to reduce built up stress and anxiety while giving you that extra boost of energy you need to get through your day.  Everyday health has a good article that discusses the importance of working out, check it out. Moving your body can be as simple as taking a 30 minute walk outside, hopping on to do a yoga live class, or a HIIT workout. Whatever it is have fun with it and enjoy the movement. Here are a few workouts I enjoy and are free….MOD Yoga, Fitness Blender, The Fitness Marshall, and Emily Skye.

Journal or meditate-If neither of these sounds up your alley, well it might be the perfect time to open up your mind to try one. Use journaling, as a means to record all your thoughts and feels. Writing things down has been shown to help individuals feel more grounded. It is a way to record all the thoughts and feelings in a more structured way  like when we teens using our diaries as outlets.

Mediation is also another well known practice that is commonly used to help people feel grounded. People often think that mediation is too spiritual or just for yogis, however it can be a simple practice for everyone. Yes, we can all benefit from this! There is research to suggest that meditation can reduce stress and  lower anxiety levels. Try it out, consider using a meditation app like Headspace or free meditation videos on youtube.

Write a list of “must” do– We all have some type of “To do” list whether it’s in a planner, on our reminders app in our phones, or it’s just a running mental list. Sometimes these “To Do” list become so long we don’t even know what the heck to start or what really should take priority. Well ever heard of a “must do” list? Not to be confused with our old friend.  I think I first came across this list while I was reading Girl Wash your Face. I learned that a “must” do list is something you create

Make your bed-Making your bed first thing in the morning takes seconds and can lead to a more productive happier day.  Completing this simple task gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. The science theory behind this is behavior momentum, you do one small task which then will reinforcer you to do another and another until you have completed or working on all the harder tasks (ZOOM meetings). Here is a quick article how bed making can change your life

RELAX– This one isn’t really a structured daily routine per say, but it is a word I use daily when s%*t starts spiraling.  Saying this to myself repeatedly reminds me that I can take a step back think for a minute then move forward.  I also use it when I start to have negative thoughts. You don’t have to use the word relax, but try finding a word that you can use to stop those thoughts from continuing. This helps to flip the scrip and focus on the positive.

Hope all or any of these tips help you when creating and sticking to your daily routine. Drop me a line and let me know what you are doing to take care of you and to keep a routine.

Until next time,