This routine keeps me sane and happy
After procrastinating and dealing with stress for months I finally figured out a way to put an end to this. I realized the simplicity of bringing order to chaos does the trick. So I created one that helps me get things done and become more productive.
Firstly, I listed all the tasks that I needed to get done every day, like:
Workout
Cook
Office/ Business
House chores
I have been repeatedly doing these over and over to the point of physical and mental exhaustion and this has been my daily routine for the last 8 months:
9 am: Get up, make my bed, water plants and cook breakfast (yes almost 2 hours)
11 am: Yoga and meditation
12 noon: Work calls
12 30–1 pm: First meal of the day (I follow intermitted fasting hence the brunch)
2 pm: Office work
6 pm: House chores & dinner prep
8 30 pm: Dinner
12 30 am: Sleep
I followed this routine no matter what. I soon realized I was slacking and lacked the energy to even step out of my bed. I would mindlessly browse on the internet during my work hours, skipped house chores since work spilled out of schedule, to-do lists were pilling on and completing tasks took forever. This lack of enthusiasm needed to end and so I began researching on the subject of increasing productivity- pomodoro technique, 5 am rule, CEO technique, etc. Therefore, after months of uncertain results I devised a routine which seem to work great in these many quarantine months at home.
This is what I did to achieve a sane and happy life. I started doing things intuitively; removed the strict routine that I had and incorporated a more flexible approach. For a staunch Capricorn like myself, it was so hard to not stick to a routine or work without a plan. This really challenged me and helped me push out of my comfort zone.
This is what I did differently:
Got up whenever I wanted to, without an alarm
This helped me to sleep extra and get up happy (and not groggy) on most days. I took my own time to get up and lay in bed as much as I wanted to. I could also morning journal without fail since there was no urgency to follow a schedule.
Make my bed, water plants and cook breakfast with mom
Instead of overwhelming myself with many things to accomplish in the morning, I took mom’s help in making breakfast. This gave me more time to chit-chat and bond with her too.
Yoga and meditation
I was strict about working out mostly in the mornings and by chance if I missed it, I would let go of the work out that day. In my new routine, I became more compassionate with myself and practiced yoga anytime I wanted to. This way I enjoyed the sessions even more since I was doing it because I enjoyed them and not out of compulsion.
Work calls
Took a conscious decision to get on a call only if absolutely necessary. I reduced thrice a week calls to once a week. This gave me ample time to actually work on finishing tasks.
House chores first
Focused on completing the house chores first and getting it out of the way. I could then concentrate only on work without having to think what’s next to be done.
Me time
A brand new addition to my new routine which gave me enough time to pursue hobbies that were long forgotten. To my surprise I could still paint, still enjoyed reading and had enough time in the evening for a balcony sundowner (my absolute favourite thing to do)
These changes made a huge difference in how I appreciate the little things in life. Intuitive technique has not only helped me calm my anxiety but also taught me to remain happy irrespective of to-do lists getting done or not. So here’s what I swear by now ‘Be grateful, slow down and enjoy life ‘coz what’s the rush!’
