It feels like we’ve been in quarantine for the whole year. We had mandatory shut downs, lock downs, close downs. Then we had teaser openings of businesses. Then mandatory shut downs. And now, well who knows what?
All I know is that I went through a roller coaster of WTH and WTF.
I did what most of us did. Started baking. Cooking more. Decorating my home. Enjoying my yard. Trying new morning habits. Journaling more and so on.
So what stuck?
First, I discovered that I’m a routine enjoyer. I never thought that would be me. I thrived on spontaneity and going with the flow.
To my surprise, I need a morning routine and nightly wind down routine. Everything in between can be whatever it will be.
NEW MORNING HABITS
(in addition to a few I already have)
Journaling in 2 different journals. I first brain dump in my regular journal and then I do a page in my START TODAY journal.
I meditate by sitting in my favorite chair. I don’t have a practice. I just sit in silence and try to focus on the sounds of nature, like birds chirping or breeze blowing the leaves in the trees.
I talk aloud, like praying but it’s more like sharing my gratitude to the Universe, higher power or God. Whatever you’re into. I’m into all the above. I always start with something like “Thank you for this beautiful morning, the blue sky, lovely weather and blessings and gifts you’ve given me.”
I change into an outfit that makes me feel dressed for the day. I also put on jewelry and light makeup.
These new simple habits have been such a great addition in the morning. They give me the balance and stamina I need to be productive for the day.
NEW NIGHT TIME HABITS
(in addition to a few I already have)
I make a conscious effort to log off tech, unless I’m on deadline.
After dinner, I’ll watch a show, movie or news with my husband. This may sound like a normal thing most people do, but I’m a workaholic. I could be stuck behind my computer until 12 midnight.
In addition to my nightly skincare routine, I’ve added doing a face mask and face lift with my NuFace gadget. I switch off every other day for masking and NuFace.
I GET INTO bed by 10pm. That doesn’t mean I fall asleep but at least I’m in bed by 10pm. Again this may seem like a normal time or even late for some. BUT for me, I could be in front of my computer all night.
For my wind down before catching my zzzz’s, my husband and I will either watch a TV show in bed or I’ll read for a bit.
I try to sleep for at least 8 hours, sometimes it’s 7.
Overall, I’ve learned to set better habits and boundaries with myself so that I can be mentally and spiritually fit for whatever may happen in the world.
I noticed that I also upped my television hours. Prior to the pandemic I hardly watched TV.
The ONE habit I’m still trying to make a habit is a daily walk for at least 30-45 minutes. I’m very irregular with my cardio. This is something I want to change. We’ll see how it goes.
What new habits or routines have you discovered this year? Share in comments below.
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