Everyone knows about the benefits of a daily routine, but it can be hard to really implement on a practical level. Creating a daily routine takes work, but once you’ve started, you’ll be able to reduce your stress and increase your chances of success.
Begin With a List of Your Tasks
Create a list of the tasks that you need to complete every day. At this point, nothing is too small to include. Mentally walk yourself through your day listing everything you do. You can take a notepad with you throughout your day to add things as you discover them. Estimate how long these tasks will take, giving yourself a small amount of buffer.
Create a Basic Schedule
Your basic daily schedule should include the things that you need to do at a certain time. Block off your time in 15-minute increments. As an example, you may need to go to work at 8:45 AM. Include prayer and mediation time, getting ready for the day, travel time (realistically) etc.
Begin to Prioritize Your Other Tasks
Once your basic schedule has been completed, you can begin to prioritize your other tasks, fitting them around the things that you need to keep scheduled. Keep in mind that most people have the most energy in the morning, but everyone is different. You want to put your most resource-intensive tasks during the times you have the most motivation.
Follow Your Schedule
Some people prefer to keep their schedule on their phone, while others would rather create a bullet journal or keep a daily planner. Regardless, it’s important to write down your schedule and follow it each day. Check off items as you complete them so you can get into the habit of finishing your tasks.
Reward Yourself
The best way to form new habits is to reward yourself. After a hard week of following your daily schedule, treat yourself to something like a favorite dessert, manicure, flowers for yourself or a movie.
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