The Power of Routines
The Power of routines can be life changing. In past emails and blogs I have discussed the important role routines play in our daily lives. Today, I want to dive a little deeper.
What is a Routine?
Merriam-Webster defines Routine (noun) as:
1a: a regular course or procedure
1b: habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure
For many of us routines help us feel a sense of control in our lives. There are many areas that we have no control, but having routines where we can helps to buffer anxiety and stress.
Who are Routines For?
Routines are for anyone who wants to be more efficient and organized in their daily lives. If you follow any successful person in the business world or motivational speaker, they all talk about the power routines played in their success.
Routines are for anyone that has time management issues, or just wants to free up some time in their day. When we practice a routine long enough it becomes automatic to the point we barely have to think about it.
How to Create a Routine
Is there a part of your life you want to get more efficient at? Maybe you want to do a better job of waking up and getting your day started better. Maybe you want to make it easier to get to the gym at a given time. Or perhaps you want to do better at getting to bed at a certain time. Start by making a plan.
- Make a list of the things you do on a regular basis
- List the things you would like to do
- List the obstacles
- Create a routine that will allow you to do the things you would like to do
- Implement the routine, make adjustments if needed
You may find yourself creating multiple routines for your typical daily activities.
Nighttime Routines
Let’s start with looking at a nighttime routine. You may think, why start at night? For me, my morning routine actually starts with my nighttime routine. By doing a few things in the evening I set my morning routine up for success.
- I set-up the coffee maker and make sure it is set to auto-brew, so coffee is ready when I stumble to the kitchen in the morning.
- Lay out my workout clothes.
- Pack my gym bag and have it ready to go.
- When I was going to the office for work, I would pick my clothes out.
- Wind down with some quiet meditation or prayer and reading (Preferably actual books, not electronic).
All of these things only take a few minutes in the evening and save a good bit of time in the morning. I also find that I can relax better to prepare for a good night’s sleep knowing that these things are done and I don’t have to make decisions in the morning.
Depending on what is important to you your routine will probably look different from mine.
Morning Routines
For many getting up and going in the morning can be tough. Thinking about what you need to do to get your day started. Getting dressed and off to work can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Morning routines take a lot of the unknowns and decision making out of your morning.
Here is an example of a morning routine:
- Get out of bed when the Alarm goes off, don’t hit snooze.
- Make the bed (If you want to change the world, start by making your bed).
- Get dressed
- Drink coffee
- Go to the gym and workout
- Home to shower
- Start the workday
Other Routines
Nighttime and morning routines are just two examples that I use to make my days more successful, more efficient, and less stressful. Other routines may include self-improvement or exercise even house cleaning can be a routine.
What are some other routines you could implement to help you with the day?
For more health and fitness tips check out more of our Blogs at:
http://www.bodyforcefitness247.com/blog/
If you want to learn more about how we can help you get fit and healthy Schedule a FREE consultation .