After graduating from college, I initially felt a little out of sorts. Without the structure of school or work, I wasn’t exactly sure how to structure my day.
But with a little experimenting and research, I eventually settled into a routine that works for me.
These are five steps I take each day to bring balance and order into my life:
- I prioritize my most important tasks in the morning (when I’m most alert).
I complete the tasks that require my greatest concentration early in the day. I’m a morning person, so by scheduling my bulkiest tasks first, I ensure that I can give them my full energy.
Plus, knocking out my most important tasks in the morning frees up the rest of my day to work on hobbies, run errands, and relax.
Productivity author James Clear wrote about the importance of scheduling a protected time each day to complete one’s most important work. He said this strategy is effective because it ensures you’ll always get something important done.
- I give myself no more than three main tasks per day.
Sometimes less is more. I noticed that if I schedule too many tasks to do in a given day, I end up feeling stressed, and I get burnt out by the end of the day.
However, if I keep myself focused on just one to three main priorities, I’m able to give each task the time I need to do it well, and I can go about the rest of my day feeling energized and calm.
According to Full Focus, a productivity blog, homing in on the top three tasks you want to accomplish each day helps you direct your energy towards what’s most important.
- I take frequent breaks while working to stretch, walk, etc.
Getting up from my desk to take short breaks has been a game-changer for me. I used to just “power-through” each task and end up feeling stiff and uncomfortable afterward.
Once I became aware of this, I started being more mindful of how I feel while I’m working, and when I start to feel stiff, restless, or on-edge, I get up and take a short movement break.
By taking these small breaks, I’m able to keep my energy up throughout my workday.
According to Harvard Business Review, taking breaks from work throughout the day can lead to increased well being and greater productivity.
- If I can, I take a break during the ‘afternoon slump.’
Everyone is slightly different when it comes to their peak alertness levels, but if I’m speaking for myself, I tend to feel somewhat tired in the early afternoon.
So, I normally take a break during this time to either go for a walk, dance, or simply rest. Doing this helps me recharge, and I’m able to come back to my work feeling refreshed.
According to a study published by the Scandanavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology that studied 841 Finnish workers across 11 different organizations, taking breaks around lunchtime was found to be correlated with decreased fatigue and greater vigor after a 12-month period.
- I tend to do lighter tasks in the afternoon.
As a morning person, I find it helpful to save my lighter tasks (such as errands, emails, etc) for the afternoon after my break. This helps me to gradually wind down as I head into the evening.
- I do relaxing activities before bed, such as stretching, reading, and listening to soothing music.
Once I’ve completed all my work for the day, I like to do relaxing activities like reading, stretching, and listening to calming music. By taking the time to unwind, I set a peaceful tone for the evening.
According to Calm, winding down at the end of the day can enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, and improve memory and mood.
This is what a typical day looks like for me. By scheduling my activities in a manner that matches my natural energy levels, I maximize my efforts and minimize stress.
Feel free to let me know what helps you find balance and stability in your everyday routine.
All the best,
Adriana
Reflect and Nourish 
Leave a comment