A habit is defined as a routine that is repeated, and over time becomes a subconscious behavior.
Almost all of us have routines built into our lives, like rushing to the kitchen to make a cup of tea when we wake up or brushing our teeth just before we go to bed. Almost always, the action is subconscious and automated. Needless to say, some of these habits are good for us, and others not so good.
Over the years, I have consciously built several habits that have been extremely useful to me to keep my life organized and to keep my stress levels low. Listed below are a few of my favorites.
1. Planning My Day
As a mother of two, with a day job and several side hustles, my day can spiral out quickly if I don’t plan it out in advance.
I have been using a paper planner for the last 8 years, and while a digital version has its advantages, nothing beats the power of writing down my task lists for the day.
My day planner has pages that are split into two sections. On one side I write down all the tasks that I need to complete during the day and rank them in order of priority. The other section has the day segregated into time-slots where I write in my appointments and brainstorm the activities that can be stacked together so I can complete them quickly and efficiently.
I can’t tell you how effective this process has been to reduce my stress levels and help me focus on my long-term goals.
2. Meditation
For as long as I remember, I have been cynical of the term meditation. The word always evoked an image of a yogi on a hilltop with his eyes closed resolutely and his palms resting on his crossed legs.
But as I aged, I realized that my heart would spin into uncontrollable palpitations when an event went against my anticipated outcome. The result was a lack of sleep, frequent headaches, and a high level of stress. That’s when I started exploring the rich world of meditation.
There are probably as many ways to meditate as there are people so what you choose may be very specific to you.
I experimented with meditation apps, yoga postures, chants, guided meditations, etc but finally what worked for me was just taking deep, slow, purposeful breaths for 5 minutes every morning soon after I woke up.
I feel refreshed, purposeful, connected to the Universe, and ready to take on the world.
3. Journaling
The morning journal was made popular by author Julia Cameron in her book “The Artist’s Way”.
I have tried various versions of it for many years but for the past three years, the routine that stuck with me is to write a page a note-taking app on my iPad using an Apple Pen.
Every morning, after I complete my 5-minute breathing routine, I open up my iPad and write a complete page without any inhibitions or judgment.
The first few days I was very conscious of what I was writing, overthinking every sentence. Several times I’d be shocked at direction my unconscious thoughts were taking.
But over a while, the process became cathartic. I allowed the stream of thoughts to flow from my mind, through the Apple pen and onto the iPad.
I allowed myself to write uncensored, secure with the knowledge that with the iPad locked, nobody had access to my unbridled thoughts. This was a safe space for me to explore my inner thoughts and feelings, look at various perspectives, analyze problems objectively, and cultivate a positive mindset.
4. Exercise
This one daily habit has been a game-changer for me.
I have been exercising regularly for over 15 years and I cannot emphasize enough how effective this one routine has had on my overall well being. A daily exercise routine not only gives me a great sense of satisfaction, but I also enjoy better energy levels, sleep better, and feel more relaxed and in control of my emotions.
My routine involves 5 days of strength training and moderate cardio exercises. But I would suggest choosing an exercise that is not very challenging thus making it easier to practice regularly.
Do consult a health practitioner before taking up exercise habits to minimize any chances of injury.
5. Power Nap in the Afternoon
I truly feel that the power nap is the most underrated productivity tool and just doesn’t get the due respect that it deserves.
A power nap can be as short as 15 minutes and can be taken on your desk during the lunch break.
Since I work from home, I take the liberty of putting my phone on DND mode, setting a 15-minute timer, and lying to rest on the bed. Most days I go into deep sleep and emerge out of the stage even before my alarm rings.
Needless to say, I feel refreshed, alert, and in great spirits to tackle the remaining day ahead.
6. Using the Pomodoro Technique
This technique has been extremely effective when I have felt a lack of motivation to begin a task.
I set up a timer for 20 minutes and allowed myself to work on the task without any distractions, promising myself that I would reward myself with a short break when the timer was up. Most often I get so involved with the task that I skip the break and continue for another 20 minutes.
The key is to focus on the task at hand and not allow any interruptions.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-tested method of improving productivity and focus, and I use it regularly for tasks that I tend to procrastinate on, some examples being, making sales calls to potential clients, making a presentation, or even cleaning up a particularly messy cupboard. This technique helps me to over-ride the initial resistance of starting a task and once I reach a level of flow, I unconsciously begin to enjoy it.
These are few habits that has made me find purpose in life, increase my productivity and achieve multiple goals .
I would love to hear what are the habits that you have adopted that has helped you live an improved and enhanced life. Share them with us below!