10 steps to add to your daily routine

Building your daily routine can be difficult if you don’t know what you need and what “makes you happy” each day. Every routine is different and they can all be good – you just need to find the one that works best for you. Here are 10 easy steps you can add to your daily routine to be more productive, with more time to breathe, relax, and have a good time, without burning out.

1. Read 10-20 pages a day

There is a common saying: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. Although it sounds cliché, it’s true. Reading is proven to increase your brain power and improve your memory function. It can also make you smarter. If you read regularly, you increase your knowledge by providing him with new words and vocabulary.

Reading is also proven to lower your stress levels. If you choose to read a book that interests you (why not?!), it’s a moment of relaxation, without problems or connection to the internet.

And, if that didn’t convince you enough, you can read a 200-page book in just 10 days if you read 20 pages a day. And if we think that each month has 30 days, you will read 3 books each month!

2. Turn off your phone before sleeping and after waking up

OK, so I know this step isn’t the best and almost all of us do it without even thinking about it. However, this is the time when you can read, listen to music, write, or simply set aside time to meditate or reflect and relax before moving on with your day.

And there’s actually a scientific reason why you shouldn’t be on your phone before bed. Our screens, from laptops to phones to tablets, produce blue light. If you increase this light or stimulate it, the production of melatonin decreases, which prevents you from falling asleep.

3. Weekly training

I am not an extremely active girl. However, I see the importance of training and moving rather than constantly sitting down to work.

Working out may look different for everyone, just do what you feel comfortable with. Some examples are brisk walking, running, cycling, playing sports, swimming, yoga, pilates, weightlifting… the list goes on. Although I would recommend training outdoors, in nature, there is no harm in balancing the gym and the park.

Exercise isn’t just for decompressing, relaxing, or reducing stress. It can help you lose weight (sometimes with the help of a healthy diet) or lower the risk of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Although, from my point of view, working out should never be seen as an obligation (unless you are in a position where you need it), but always as a choice that makes you happy and comfortable.

4. Drink lemon water

Drinking water itself is very important. Everyone should drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. It’s a lot, I know, but when you’re reminded of the benefits, it doesn’t seem that hard. Water has been proven to improve skin health and help fight acne, maintain your blood pressure, improve your performance during training and help you on your weight loss journey. It can also help with heartburn, kidney disease, and dissolve nutrients your body needs.

This is, however, a key point about lemon drinking water and its benefits. People will just tell you it’s good, but it’s not just that. It is a good source of vitamin C, it can help you lose weight, also improves your skin AND cleanses your body.

5. Relax right after school or work

NOW this step I do religiously every day. After a long and tiring day at work or school, don’t start working again when you get home. Take a bath, organize your things, have a snack, exercise, do anything that relaxes you, even if it’s “nothing”, like lying on your sofa and watching television.

It’s a time for you where you can just relax and get ready for a few more hours of intense productivity.

6. Listen to music while getting dressed and getting ready for the day

I know I’m not the only one to say that music makes me feel good. However, being a student, I find little to no time to listen to music (note the exaggeration).

Listening to music puts you in a good mood, which is why I like to start my day with it by getting ready. It wakes up your brain, telling you “the day is here!”. While listening to music to get ready for the day is great, you can also use it to get through the day, when you’re on the move, exercising, reading, or even working (if you can still concentrate) . I discovered that even when I am working or studying, I need music. That’s why sometimes I listen to music that I don’t know the lyrics to.

7. Make sure you have a human connection

I know this one sounds a bit ridiculous, but it’s actually the most important of all, regarding all factors.

When the pandemic started and we all had to stay locked up at home, some of us didn’t see our friends and even some family members for days and months. We didn’t even see some of our colleagues. It means that we have lost some of the human contacts that we had, even lost some relationships.

Science supports the fact that human connections can help reduce your anxiety or depression, which some of us have struggled with during lockdown more than other days. It can also regulate our emotions and lead to greater empathy and self-esteem.

8. Plan your day/week/month

It’s something I love to do. You might not work like that, however, I think it’s important and necessary for everyone to keep everything organized, so you don’t get too overwhelmed with life.

I usually only plan once a week or a month, but every day when I have new homework, I have to organize my day, going from the easiest to the hardest, in order to motivate myself and make some more.

Monthly or weekly planning, I use a bullet journal, and every Sunday I go there and try to plan as much as possible. However, while doing this, you should be aware that during the week new things will come up that you will need to do, so when planning don’t overload yourself with a lot of things to do.

9. Make your bed and clean/organize your bedroom

This step is purely a suggestion, but during the weekend, I can only start my work after my place is organized. I work in my bedroom so my bed needs to be made and my clothes need to be put in my closet and it needs to be closed. So, for 10 minutes on Saturday or Sunday morning, I will organize my room, which also puts me in the right frame of mind to work.

Of course, if you’re not working in your bedroom and have a separate space to work in, try tidying up that space instead.

10. Daily Skin Care Routine

Finally, cleaning and taking care of your skin (face AND body) is a step that you must do every morning and every evening, for perfect skin and hygiene.

Each type of skin deserves and needs different care. My advice is to do your research, talk to your doctor, and really try to find what works for you.

AND, remember that washing your face is fun and relaxing, so treat yourself.

I really hope you can get a lot out of this article and incorporate it into your life. Remember that everyone is different, which means you need to find a routine that works for you. Take these examples and modify them as you see fit to suit your lifestyle. Every routine should feel good and look the best.