Making the most of your personal time
January-February 2025
(photo courtesy Family Features)
story courtesy of Family Features
From a regenerative bath to that first cup of coffee, early morning rituals have the power to heal, restore and fuel. They can leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and ready to take on the day. How you spend your hours from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day can ensure you’re well prepared to tackle whatever your 9-5 throws your way.
Establishing a well-planned and consistent routine removes the guesswork and makes it easy to accomplish more during these essential hours, which set the stage for the day ahead. Use these tips to get a jumpstart on your day and make the most of your morning and evening routines.
SET PERSONAL GOALS
Just as no two people are exactly alike, your morning routine should reflect your unique needs. Some people need these early hours to ease out of sleep and gradually work toward a busy day, while others jump out of bed ready to set the day in motion. Decide what you can accomplish in your waking hours before you hit the office or school drop-off line, and plan a sequence that makes sense for you and your family. With a steady routine, keeping up with habits like early morning workouts is typically easier. On days when your energy is lagging, you can shift into autopilot and still get everything done.
PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HABITS
The way you end each day influences how you start the next one. Going to bed on time, avoiding screen time before you turn out the lights, and creating a comfortable sleep environment are all keys to restful sleep. However, managing your sleep doesn’t end once you reach dreamland; your wake-up routine is also essential to a healthy sleep schedule. One of the biggest detriments to quality sleep is hitting snooze to delay your day. Just a few more minutes easily becomes 20, 30 or more, and none of that time is quality rest, so you’re not really gaining anything.
MAKE TIME FOR BREAKFAST
Countless studies affirm the importance of a well-rounded breakfast. Researchers have found that good nutrition provides fuel to help give you energy, promote clearer thinking and problem-solving, improve mood and memory, and more. If you can’t stomach a full meal, look for alternatives to give your system a morning boost, such as a protein-rich smoothie early in the morning and a more substantial snack later in the morning.
TAKE TIME TO TIDY UP
When it’s time to put the workday behind you, it can be easier to make the mental shift from work mode to life mode when there’s not a list full of chores awaiting you at home. As part of your morning routine, make your bed, clean your vanity countertop, and complete other small chores to make your evening load lighter.