tips for living a productive and fulfilling life, here are a few suggestions of things you can do every day:
1. Set realistic goals for yourself and strive to accomplish as many as possible.
2. Spend time with loved ones and close friends, discovering shared interests and memories.
3. Exercise regularly to stay physically fit and healthy; not only will this improve your energy levels and mood, but it can also help reduce stress levels.
4. Make time for leisure activities that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, watching television, or going for walks outdoors – taking a break from work will help you relax and recharge so that you can be more productive when you return to it.
5. Lastly, try to learn something new every day; whether it’s picking up a new hobby or skill, or simply reading about current events in the news, expanding your knowledge base will keep your mind sharp and engaged.
Get a quality 7-plus hours of sleep (wake up between 5 and 6 a.m.)
It is no secret that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for optimum health and well-being. However, with our hectic lifestyles it can be difficult to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you find yourself struggling to get enough shut-eye, here are some tips to help you get a quality 7-plus hours of sleep:
1. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help train your body to fall asleep and wake up at set times, making it easier to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine including winding down for 30 minutes before turning off all electronics and lights. Taking a warm bath or reading a book are great ways to relax your mind and body before bedtime.
3. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and free from distractions such as TVs, computers or phones so that your mind can more easily drift off into slumber land.
4. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive so that you can fully relax while sleeping – this includes using pillows that correctly support your head and neck throughout the night.
Don’t check your email or social media (0 minutes)
Responding to every email or social media notification as it comes in can quickly derail your day. Dedicate specific times to checking and responding to messages, and the rest of the time, resist the urge to see what’s new.
Start your day with a plan (5 minutes): Instead of diving headfirst into your work, take a few minutes at the start of each day to review your goals and plan out what you need to do to meet them. This will help you stay focused and on track throughout the day.
Take breaks (10 minutes): It may seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks can actually help you be more productive. Stepping away from your work gives your brain a chance to rest and rejuvenate, so when you sit down again, you’ll be better able to focus and get things done.
Eliminate distractions (15 minutes): Distractions can come in many forms, from incoming emails and phone calls to social media notifications and general office chatter. If you find yourself easily distracted, try wearing headphones or working in a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
Get moving (20 minutes): Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. To get your blood flowing and boost your energy levels, take a few laps around the office or go for a quick walk outside during your break. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel –and how much more productive you are – when you incorporate some movement into your day.
Prayer and meditation (5-15 minutes)
Every morning, start your day with prayer and meditation. This can be done by sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breath. As you inhale and exhale, let go of any thoughts or concerns that are weighing on you. Instead, focus on the present moment and the peace that surrounds you.
After a few minutes of deep breathing, begin to pray or meditate on whatever is most important to you. Maybe you’re struggling with a difficult decision and need guidance from God. Or perhaps you’re feeling grateful for all the blessings in your life and want to thank Him for His goodness. No matter what’s on your heart, take some time each morning to connect with the Divine.
Journaling (10-15 minutes): Get in the habit of writing down your thoughts each day, either first thing in the morning or right before bed. This can be done in a blank notebook or via an online journaling platform like Day One. The goal is to simply get all of your thoughts out of your head and on to paper (or screen).
There’s no need to over think it – just write whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make sense at first glance. You may be surprised at what insights come up when you allow yourself to braindump without judgement or censorship. And if nothing else, journaling is a great way to track how your moods and emotions fluctuate over time.
Exercise (30-60 minutes): Taking care of our physical health is just as important as tending to our mental well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to make exercise part of our daily routine. It doesn’t have to be anything too intense – even a simple walk around the block will do wonders for our energy levels and overall outlook on life. Just get moving!
If possible, try exercising outdoors; research shows that being in nature can help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase feelings of wellbeing. So take advantage of those sunny days by getting out into the fresh air – your body (and mind) will thank you for it.
Journaling for two purposes (5-15 minutes)
1) For your mental health:
Journaling can be a form of self-care that helps you to process your thoughts and feelings, work through challenging experiences, and develop a greater understanding of yourself. When you journal regularly, you may find that you feel calmer and more capable of dealing with stressors in your life. Additionally, journaling can help to boost your mood and improve your overall mental health.
2) For clarity and focus:
Keeping a journal can also be helpful in terms of providing clarity and focus in your life. When you take the time to write down your thoughts and experiences, you may find it easier to identify patterns or areas that need attention. Additionally, the act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can help to quiet the chatter of your mind, allowing you to better assess what is most important to you.
Exercise (20-45 minutes)
It is important to get at least 20-45 minutes of exercise each day. This can be done by going for a walk, jog, or bike ride. You can also do some yard work or housework. Exercise is important because it helps to keep your heart healthy and your muscles strong. It also helps to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.