This might sound a little wacky, but I love learning about people’s routines. I can sit for hours and watch influencers’ morning, daytime or nightly routines on Youtube.
Their routines always seem to showcase them getting up at the crack of dawn, accomplishing several work tasks, making an elaborate dinner and finding time to have a glamorous social life all before heading to bed at 9 p.m.
I wish!
My routine is all over the place. I’m usually rushing in the morning, getting home later than I probably should, eating dinner around 9 p.m. (or later), knocking out personal tasks and getting to bed around midnight (on a good night).
Maybe you’re shocked that I operate this way or maybe you can relate to some degree.
At the end of last month, I told myself that I would come up with a routine where I can be productive, get adequate rest and have some fun.
Here are a few things I’m making priority:
Resting
This is a biggie. My sleep schedule is HORRIBLE. There have been plenty of times where I’ve only gotten two to three hours of sleep and acted like I was on top of the world during the day.
Internally, I felt like I was slowly deflating like a balloon. My eyes would get heavy, and I couldn’t keep my focus on simple tasks.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says, “Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.”
The article also notes that sleep deficiency can cause heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity and depression.
That’s a lot. I didn’t know sleep affected so much before reading this piece.
The source also recommends that people 18 years or older get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. I can’t promise I’ll achieve that every night, but I’m determined to get as much rest possible.
Reading
My desk is full of books that have been sitting pretty for months. I always say, “I need to start this book” or I’ll start it but won’t get back around to finishing it.
I’m not going to pressure myself to read x-amount of books by a certain time, but I’m going to set aside time to recharge myself through informative and inspirational literature.
Organizing
Say it with me… DE.CLU.TTER.
My closet and phone need the most work. I’ve thrown things out and folded things neatly for more stuff to appear and my beautifully-folded clothes to be all over the place again.
In addition, I feel like my phone is app central. There are several apps that I don’t use that are taking up space on my home screen.
I’m excited to add structure to these areas and stop wasting time searching for things I actually wear or use.
Time managing
This ties directly to my sleep regime. I put all of my to-do’s and plans in my planner, but I have to be more intentional about getting things done at specific times and on specific days.
I also have to be more intentional about adding things like reading and socializing while making time for rest.
Discipline comes into play to accomplish this. If I want the results, I have to hold myself accountable.
I know that incorporating all of these things into my routine will be challenging, but I’m excited to take steps to improve my life.
An update will be given at the end of the month, so be prepared!
Caleb Britt 