The idea of having a routine in place may sound boring or limiting, but the reality is that it’s just the opposite. Routines and habits help to prioritize what matters most. When you have many schedules to align and distractions to block, a solid routine is the best way to stay focused. By knowing what to do each day, you can also determine when you’re going to be distracted. This is particularly helpful if you have a lot of tasks that need to be completed or you have a big project coming up, because you can set your alarm accordingly. If you have a goal in mind, such as eating healthier meals or sleeping better at night, setting a routine will make it easier to achieve those goals.
When it comes to establishing or re-establishing a routine, it is important to make sure that you’re connecting this behavior to your ultimate goals and desires in life. If you’re looking for more energy to go after that promotion or to be more present with your family, creating a daily routine that incorporates these activities can give you the motivation and the structure that will allow you to achieve those things.
Routines are a set of behaviors that minimize uncertainty in your day-to-day life and allow you to act with a certain degree of predictability. Eventually, these routines turn into habits, and then they become virtually automatic, which reduces the number of decisions you have to make throughout your day.
It can be difficult to break out of a routine that is connected to your bills, relationships and your job. But it is possible, and it requires dedication and determination. One easy way to do this is to start something that doesn’t provide instant gratification, like a hobby or a side-business.
Take a walk
Walking is a great way to get fresh air, enjoy the sunshine and stretch your legs. You can listen to music or a podcast, catch up with friends on the phone or even have a walking meeting (or even just walk around the parking lot at work).
If you are not used to taking walks, start small. Try a short walk and gradually add more time and distance each week.
Walk at different times of the day, so you can see the changing scenery. Also, if you can, walk with a friend or your partner; walking together can make you feel more connected and boost your mood. Studies have shown that walking together makes you more empathetic and less angry. It may also help you think more creatively!
Take your walk outdoors, so that you get to soak up some natural sunlight. It has been proven that a few minutes of sunlight can boost your mood and relieve stress.
Go for a long, leisurely stroll at the end of the day or before you go to bed and enjoy the fresh air. In addition, walking increases blood flow, so if you’re feeling tired, a longer walk can help restore energy.
Have a dance party
Whether it’s a birthday party or an office celebration, dance parties can be the most fun — especially when you incorporate games. The key is to keep the dance floor full and energy high, so you don’t have any people leaving for drinks or a bathroom break.
You can do this in a Peerspace venue, like this dark-themed artistic studio space in Allston, MA, or at your home. Decide on a theme for the dance party and curate a playlist to go with it. Learn a popular dance style to impress your guests and earn bonus host points!
To make it easier to share screens and audio during the dance party, choose a venue with a Pro Zoom account. This allows you to have up to 30 hours of call time, which makes it much easier to sync everyone up for dance party songs and games.