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A dependable routine is the foundation of successful living in any form. From professional athletes to CEOs, productive people make and follow healthy, intentional habits, both when conducting their daily affairs and when working towards their long-term goals. Success doesn’t happen overnight; the people you look up to most likely put in the time to take proper care of themselves, in mind and in body, in order to get where they are now.
If you're looking for ways to build an effective routine and populate it with helpful steps, you’re in the right place. These habits can help people in all walks of life, whether you’re in recovery or are simply interested in lighting a fire under your own productivity.
The Difference a Routine Makes
A strong daily routine is an investment in your own success; establishing one sets you up to do your best in life. A routine gives you the structure you’ll need to develop and maintain healthy habits, which will ultimately be what pushes you forward on the days you’re not at your strongest. When it comes to recovery, your routine can help to keep you both accountable and occupied. A routine supports your forward momentum on days you feel unmotivated, and gives you structure when you’re at a low point.
Time management skills are a key component of making the most out of each day. Successful people prioritize their goals for each day and limit their chances of procrastinating. By following a routine, you’ll get done the things you need to get done regardless of how motivated or energetic you feel in any given moment; productivity will become second nature to you, and won’t require extra thought or effort.
Fortify Your Mind in the Morning
Begin building your routine by preparing your mind. Make sure you’re mentally ready to take on changes to how you live. It’s crucial that you maintain a positive attitude throughout the process of developing your schedule. Try beginning your day with spoken affirmations. Simply saying “Today will be an amazing day!” out loud to yourself every morning can kickstart your daily routine. Before you can set your plan in motion, your mind must be fully on board.
A great way to make sure you’re mentally checked in for the day is to take control of your phone usage. The time you spend on social media, emails, texting, and browsing the internet can play a huge role in how you start your mornings.
Try waiting 30 minutes after waking up before you turn on your phone, and then turn your phone off 30 minutes before you go to bed. If you get started and find that you are having a hard time keeping your schedule, reach out to your support network for accountability and motivation.
Putting Together an Effective Routine
Like your identity, your routine will be unique to your goals and lifestyle. You should make a habit of getting a full eight hours of sleep each night. Going to bed in time to get enough sleep will allow you the time in the morning to meditate, do yoga or exercise, and eat a nourishing breakfast. If you typically finish work in the evenings, make a point to eat a healthy dinner, spend time with your loved ones, and indulge in your hobbies. A schedule made up of productive, enjoyable parts leaves little room for undesirable habits.
One of the most beneficial parts of creating a healthy routine is adopting intentional eating habits. Egg whites, green smoothies, oatmeal, tea, and water are all nutritious ways to start off your day. Having clean and healthy insides will boost your energy levels throughout the day. When those midday snacking blues hit, trade the candy or french fries for fruit, granola bars, pretzels, pita chips, and nuts. Although it may seem trivial, snacking plays an important role in your daily diet. Hunger is one of the worst barricades to productivity, and fending it off can be as easy as opening a jar of trail mix.
All Things in Moderation
While hunger is certainly a setback to productivity, so is being stuffed. If you want to have a successful day, it’s best to spread out your meals so you won’t be sluggish. This way, you’ll have the energy after work to engage in exercise, mental stimulation, enjoyable activities, or social interaction.
It’s especially necessary that you allow yourself to decompress. If your routine is pushing you to work hard, it’s normal to be tired at the end of the day. A full schedule will help you achieve your goals; a balanced schedule that includes time for relaxation will help you get there without driving yourself to the point of exhaustion or burnout.
Your mindset is the most important factor in creating your routine. Before your put your plan into action, you must be mentally present and prepared to take on change. Set your goals, focus your efforts, and claim your successes at the start of each day to motivate yourself towards making success your reality. A healthy, comprehensive routine will help you take control of your life in every area, from adopting intentional eating habits to monitoring the time you spend on social media. Your mind and body are integrally connected in pushing you forward to achieve the life you want to live, and an effective routine will involve managing both your physical and mental wellbeing. One of the best ways to renew your attitude towards your life is to connect with professional resources. START UP RECOVERY offers a chance to hit the reset button on the way you live. Call (310) 773-3809 to learn more.