In our busy lives, knowing how to create a good schedule is super important. It helps you get more done and reach your goals, whether you’re in school, at work, or just trying to stay organized.
What’s really crucial to understand is that time isn’t just something that appears magically – you have the power to make it.
When someone says they don’t have time, what they’re basically saying is that whatever it is, it’s not a big priority for them right now. Because if it was super important, like a life-or-death situation, they’d definitely figure out a way to change their plans, don’t you think?
One of the most valuable things anyone can do is plan out their day, preferably the night before. Studies show that when you make a list for the day, it makes you think more clearly, and when you follow that list, your productivity shoots up by 25% on the very first day. It just proves that successful people all work from a daily checklist.
Creating this list will give you an awesome feeling of getting things done and being very productive. This means you’ll finish each day feeling really proud of the important things you’ve accomplished. This is the very first, most important step when we start talking about how to make a schedule.
Tip #1:
Create a morning routine
Creating a morning routine is a great way to start your day on a positive note and set the tone for productivity. In fact, A Harvard Business Review completed in 2019 found that 92% of highly productive people follow planned morning routines, explaining this, “Being productive is not about doing more, but about doing things in an efficient manner.”
Let’s break this down into simple actionable steps you can take right now to work toward building your morning routine:
Aim to wake up at a consistent time each day to regulate your body clock. Begin with a few minutes of gentle stretching or light exercise to awaken your body. Next, dedicate time to mindful practice, such as meditation or deep breathing, to cultivate mental clarity. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to fuel your body and brain.
Prioritize tasks by creating a to-do list or reviewing your schedule.
Finally, consider incorporating activities you enjoy, like reading, journaling, or listening to music, to infuse your morning with positivity. Adapt and refine your routine as needed, but consistency is key to reaping the benefits of an effective morning routine.
In “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod, he suggests a morning routine called SAVERS. Each letter in SAVERS stands for an activity that can improve your mornings.
- S: Take a moment of silence through meditation or deep breathing to clear your mind.
- A: Use positive affirmations, which are like encouraging thoughts, to help you focus on your goals.
- V: Visualize your goals and imagine achieving them to boost your motivation.
- E: Get your body moving with some exercise to wake up and feel energized.
- R: Spend time reading to learn new things and expand your knowledge.
- S: Write in a journal (or scribe) to reflect on your thoughts and experiences.
By including these six activities in your morning routine, you can work on personal growth, be more productive, and feel better overall.
Tip #2:
Tame Mid-day Madness
During a busy day, it’s easy to feel swamped by tasks and distractions. But the good news is that you can definitely tackle the chaos of midday madness. It’s not just doable, it’s really important for staying productive and feeling good.
Using a technique called time blocking can really help you avoid that midday overwhelm. Time blocking is a straightforward productivity technique that involves scheduling specific time periods for each of your tasks on your calendar. Rather than relying on a vague to-do list, you allocate dedicated time slots for activities, allowing you to stay focused and organized. There are apps that will help you with this or you can use good old paper planner.
To implement time blocking, identify the tasks you need to complete, estimate how much time each task will take, and then allocate those time blocks in your calendar.
Make sure to account for breaks and buffer time between tasks. By visually planning your day or week in advance, you can enhance your efficiency and ensure that important tasks are prioritized and accomplished. As you look at your week you can also schedule in times for your workouts, your meal planning and meal prep and times to relax with friends and family. It may seem crazy to schedule in times to relax but if we put in the things that we really want to do, those are the things that will get accomplished.
Tip #3:
Create an evening routine
Crafting an evening routine involves finding a balance between winding down and maintaining a healthy work-life separation, especially for those who work from home.
Start by setting a designated end time for work to avoid overextending your work hours. Gradually transition out of work mode by shutting down your workspace, tidying up, and closing your office door.
Engage in relaxing activities such as taking a leisurely walk, enjoying a calming cup of tea, or spending quality time with family. Limit screen time before bed to ensure better sleep quality. Prioritize self-care rituals like reading, stretching, or meditation to unwind.
Finally, establish a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you get enough rest. Remember, this routine is all about YOU – so tailor it to your preferences and watch as it creates a sense of closure to your workday and fosters a peaceful transition into your evening hours.
If you would like help figuring out your daily schedule or how to make sure the things that are important you you are in your schedule each week Coach EJ can help! We not only focus on nutrition but on the whole person and that includes stress management. Sometimes just figuring out how to manage your schedule and how to fit all the important pieces into your week will help you reach your health and fitness goals. Set up an appointment HERE to discuss what nutrition and wellness coaching can do for you.
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