Suppose you want to boost your productivity to new levels or regain lost productivity. In that case, I have three routines that can help. While you may have heard of the first two, the third routine is likely something you’ve never considered.
Let’s start with the bedtime routine, where we’ll begin today. Many people simply reactively go to bed when they feel tired without much thought. However, establishing a bedtime routine can significantly improve your ability to sleep and increase your energy levels, leading to improved productivity.
A bedtime routine should include avoiding all electronics 90 minutes before you plan to go to sleep. This means turning off your phone, gaming consoles, and TVs. The blue light emitted from these devices can disrupt your sleep, and the stimulation from TV shows or social media can hinder your ability to wind down. Instead, consider reading a print book or magazine or using a Kindle (not the Kindle app) to signal your body that it’s time to sleep.
In addition to avoiding electronics, create a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom. Your bed should only be used for sleeping or having sex and not for watching TV or scrolling through social media. Keep your bedroom dark and cool; research shows that cooler temperatures promote better sleep. Lastly, aim to minimize stress before bedtime, especially in the two hours leading up to your planned sleep time. Avoid fights with family members, watching TV shows that invoke negative emotions, or watching the news, as stress can disrupt sleep.
Moving on to the morning routine, resist the urge to immediately pick up your phone when you wake up. Checking social media, text messages, email, or the news can introduce stress into your day before it even starts. Instead, focus on creating your day in the best way for you. Begin by putting your feet on the floor, standing up, making your bed, and turning on all the lights in the room or another room to signal your body that it’s time to wake up. Then, read something uplifting and encouraging, such as a religious text or a motivational book, and journal about your goals and intentions for the day. Take time to learn something new, whether it’s through language lessons, reading educational material, or any other form of personal development. Finally, engage in physical activity to get your blood flowing and boost your energy levels for the day ahead. This could be running, walking, swimming, cycling, or any form of exercise that suits you.
The third and final routine I want to introduce is the planning routine. Instead of wondering where your time went, take control by planning it intentionally. This goes beyond scheduling appointments and includes scheduling time for personal development. Make it a priority to read books, attend webinars, watch training videos, or engage in other activities that promote your personal growth and development. By intentionally planning and prioritizing personal development, you can ensure that you are continuously learning and growing, which can positively impact your productivity.
In summary, establishing a bedtime routine, starting your day with a mindful morning routine, and prioritizing personal development through planning can boost your productivity and overall well-being. Incorporate these routines into your daily life and see their positive impact on your productivity levels.