Heyo everyone, today we are going to talk about the three daily routines I've found to be the most helpful in staying motivated and productive. Routines are insanely important to me, not just as a writer but as someone who struggles with ADHD, deviating from a routine and setting new ones into place are always hard. But with a little work I've found these to be the most helpful and surprisingly simple ways to manage myself. Routines are absolutely personal, and trying out new ways to do things is very likely the only way to insure that you find the right routine for you, but, I have put some effort into choosing routine suggestions that can help just about anyone.
One, Sleep & Wake times. With busy schedules, and different things to do every day it can be hard to arrive at an absolute time to hit the hay and rise the next day, but getting as close to these set times as possible is extremely helpful. I've found since setting a 'bed time' and 'wake time' that my body has adjusted pretty well. It helps your body decide it's time to sleep, and can give you the most of the day ahead to get things done.
Two, Bedtime and Morning rituals. Having a ritual or routine to complete to get your body ready to wake or sleep is insanely important. It has helped my ADHD management immensely to know that my brain can start winding down when I initiate my evening ritual or revving up when I begin my morning. For example my nightly routine consists of changing into pj's, brushing my teeth, washing my face, braiding my hair, making sure all the lights and AC's in the house are off, and setting up something to watch on YouTube. Because my brain needs stimulation constantly having something like ASMR cooking or the like helps me to wind down and fall asleep quickly. Likewise my morning coffee, yoga, and clean kitchen help to motivate me to get going in the morning. Find the things that tell your body its bed time or work time and incorporate those into your morning and night rituals.
Three, Work and Relaxation Rituals. I have found that having a routine/ritual for work and relaxation is soooo helpful. For work I get my coffee sit down at my desk and go through my morning socializing before setting a timer to do word sprints or some writing prompts. This tells my brain okay, we are focusing on work now. Likewise relaxation is the closing of all work apps, changing into something to relax and lounge around in and eating some dinner with my husband while watching YouTube, or playing some video games with him.
These three routines I believe are absolutely something even if they are small changes, that any writer who wants to have a good work/life balance should learn or give a try. Since implementing these routines it has helped my ADHD and my work focus immeasurably.
I hope you found these helpful, and I cannot wait to share more tips in the future!!
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