Routine

I hate routine. The reason—I don’t like being bound to a schedule. Why? Because I used to be an Event Manager and it was my job to plan out every single minute of an event—I was always scheduling. As a result I became a bit sloppy in my social life and a little indecisive. I was that “Sorry! Running a few mins late…” guy. I never gave an excuse or a reason, because I didn’t have one, other than the fact that I didn’t want to have to be anywhere at a scheduled time! I know what you’re thinking—what a rebel, you’re a wild one! Yeah. I really am. 

Anyways, times have changed and by that I mean—the world has changed! I’m working from home full-time and actually, due to a few projects ramping up at once, I’m working 6-7 days a week. This has meant that I’ve needed to form a routine, one that’s realistic. It’s based on my energy levels and it’s been working wonders for me. 

07:00 - 11:00         Research & Writing

11:00 - 12:00         Walk 

12:00 - 12:30         Weights

12:30-13:30           Prayer, meditation & lunch

13:30 - 17:30         Emails, admin, meetings

17:30 - 21:30         Free time (movies, calling friends & family, reading, games, social media)

In this season (which will pass), I am waking up with a lot of energy. My mind is buzzing with my to do list and so I have decided to act on it and with it. I make a coffee and head to my office. There I go hard researching and writing. At 10am I have a light breakfast as this seems to be when I get hungry and come 11am I have a two hour break. 

Walking has been scientifically proven to help with creativity, so by going for a walk I get to think through and process my research and writing from the morning. Then I do some strength training, because I’d like to come out of isolation looking like a beefcake, not like I’ve eaten all the cake…(tbh, I’m struggling!). After lunch, I do most of my meetings and small admin tasks. I’ve found this to be a bit of a winning formula and of course I take frequent breaks which involve walking away from my desk.  

Interestingly, after I had formed my routine, one of my colleagues sent around a sleep and energy survey (Automated Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (AutoMEQ)). The  questionnaire gives you advice about your "circadian rhythm type." We all took it and I learnt that my most productive hours are between 7am - 10am. Love that science and I agree.  You can take the test here: https://www.cet-surveys.com/index.php?sid=61524&newtest=Y

Music helps me get in the zone too.  First thing, I use classical piano as it helps my concentration and then in the afternoons when I’m feeling flat—I play upbeat pop music that pumps up my energy levels. Plus I have a few dance breaks for good measure.

Now, all the above is what happens on a dream day, when I’m in control! Sometimes I have morning meetings and I have to be flexible. So although this is my ideal routine, I have to hold it loosely. And that’s OK, especially in these weird days we’re living in.  And I recognise that I don’t have demands of managing children in my home too, but hopefully the above helps you, if even a little.

Cheering you on…

SB