With everything going on, it can be easy to fall into a funk. However, the begining of a New Year can jump start new habits. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or CEO, time managment and productivity is key to a healthy balanced life. Below are 7 habits to start to help you get where your going.
1. Start Your Day the Night Before
By approaching bedtime with a routine, you can effectively start the next morning with all systems go. Begin by ensuring you know what’s on the calendar for the following day. Go over appointments, calls and any other important deadlines in the day so you have an awareness of what’s on the agenda. Make sure whatever you need in the morning is as easy as grab and go. Finally, set yourself up for sleep success. Make sure you turn off all electronics that could beep, buzz or light up during the night and disrupt your sleep.
2. Move First Thing
Getting out of bed and making your body move gets the blood flowing and the brain synapses connecting again. If you aren’t in the habit of moving first thing when you get up, this may feel a little strange at first but, it works. Even if you aren't a morning person, hit the gym or put on your shoes and walk your dog for 30 minutes. Fresh air and movement start your body and your brain off on the right foot for the day. You’ll have more energy and a clearer head when you’re done.
3. Tame Your Brain
Meditation or mindfulness practice is an essential workout for your head. It only takes 10 to 20 minutes in the morning to adopt a practice that can really help you effectively manage your day, and your life. Meditation is proven in study after study to help you deal better with stress and improve the fluidity of your mind, meaning you have a more adaptable brain.
4. Get Help With Staying Organized
If you aren’t an organized or punctual person, get the help you need to become one. This can be with an organization app like Trello,WorkFlowy or Evernote, or by hiring someone part time to assist you with task, time and calendar management. If you want an efficient day then you need to be organized.
5. Remember to Eat
Your body and your brain need fuel. Don’t forget that food is an important part of the day’s routine. This sounds simple but so many times busy people run themselves into the ground, skipping meals and forgetting to eat, only to grab the quickest (and often unhealthiest) thing they can eat on the go. Don’t fall victim to this trap. Snack frequently and remember to eat the right kind of healthy, nourishing food you need to stay energized all day. If you struggle, there are snack prep delivery options or home delivery healthy meal prep options where everything you need for dinner is delivered to your door.
6. Batch Your Time
Time batching is an efficient way to get the uninterrupted productivity time you need. Ensure that there’s at least one hour, preferably two, of batched time for you to problem solve, think, brainstorm and otherwise handle the work you need to do without being disturbed. It’s a highly efficient way to get a lot done in small bursts of productivity.
7. Disconnect From Work
Last but not least, when you leave work in the evening, try to disconnect from work. This may be less important when you’re still young and single, but it becomes a crucial lifestyle practice when you have a partner or a family. Your time outside of work greatly contributes to your time at work, so give your significant other and family the focus and attention they need and leave the office work at the office.
Original article can be found on Entrepreneur. Copyright 2015.
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