You guys! April has finally fallen upon us and I couldn’t be happier. I know its just another month within the year, but April is the start of new beginnings for me, and the end to old chapters. And I must say I’m really looking forward to moving forward in all aspects of my life.
As scary as it can be to enter a new chapter in life, I’m so ready for it. This year has been off to a good start for me. I’ve been inspired and motivated to do a lot of things and actually commit to it. and I think it goes without saying that a fresh breath of air is a good thing to take every once in a while. And April will be the month that I finally do take a breath of that fresh air.
But like most things I’ve lost that flame of desire to stick to the usual routine. At least my daily routine anyways. Last month, with the intention of taking on goals, made me realize that it’s time to switch up my daily routine and develop a new one. I feel it’s essential for me to do this so that I can stay committed to the things I’ve made a commitment to.
And I’ve thought long and hard about this. Specifically, what changes I could make in my daily routine and where. I’ve done a good job developing and sticking to a routine that effectively works for the days when I need the most energy. Days like when I will be out the house all day running errands, or attending my acting class, or participating in some type of event or activity. On days like these I’m pretty good with taking the extra time to put myself first and follow through on the necessary steps to build and maintain my energy level throughout the day.
And now it’s time that I develop a routine that I can implement every day, because having more energy means I can and will be more productive, even on days when I’m doing nothing but relaxing (which is rare).
And productivity is good for the mind, body, and the soul. So I highly encourage it at any age.
So today I’m going to make a list of the things that I do on the days when I need the most energy. This is to help me visually see the things that I’m doing that are working. Also, who knows maybe one of you guys can take something away from my very simple, but effective routine.
I’m then going to make a list of the things I can do on a daily basis to maintain that level of energy. You might be wondering, why would I decide to do such a thing? Why make a list of a daily routine? Who needs to see this? And honestly, I don’t think anyone would really care. But I’m deciding to do this because I’m a firm believer that we are able to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, our visions, and our goals when we openly talk about our ideas and commitments with others.
After all this blog is so much more than just a hobby for me. It’s my safe space. The place where I share my truth with anyone who is willing to listen. My comfort zone and as well the edge of the cliff for me. It’s where I conquer all my fears and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. All of this so that I can live a mentally, physically, and emotionally healthier and happier lifestyle. Also in the hopes that it will inspire others to want to do the same.
So as lame as this may seem, I’m going to share this with you all. I’m also doing this because sharing is caring! Maybe I’ll have some things that you may want to adopt, or you may have some things that I will want to adopt. Either way it can’t hurt, right? So here we go!
Things I do when I need energy
#1 Drink plenty of water
This usually always comes as a shock to people but I love water! Ok, love may be pushing it a little but I do prefer it 95% of the time over any other type of beverage. The bonus to this is that it’s good for our health! I usually drink around 6-8 bottles of water a day and guys, I’m telling you it keeps my energy level up high. It’s kind of hard to explain but trust me, the benefits are worth it….at least for me personally it is anyways (you’ll come around eventually if you’re not already on board).
#2 Exercise for at least 15 minutes
I’ve noticed that when I take the time to do this I’m automatically in a better mood. I like to do this in the morning as the jump start of my day. So usually when I wake up I’ll go brush my teeth, do a quick workout, participate in hygiene and then go on about my day. I like doing this because I feel like by doing so I’m already starting the day being productive.
#3 Get 8 hours of sleep
Man do I love to sleep! But if I’m being honest I don’t always get 8 hours of sleep every night. I’m lucky if I get 6! There are a million reasons as to why but to put it plain and simple, I have a hard time turning my brain off at night. But on days when I know I will need my energy I make a point to get a full 8 hours. This usually means just going to bed, or at least just lying down, three hours earlier than I usually would. However you get the job done, just get it done.
#4 Eat breakfast
I’m not a big breakfast eater but I know it’s an essential part of our day as well as our health. When I know I’ going to have a busy day I make sure to eat breakfast. This could be a smoothie of some sort, oatmeal, or even a small bowl of cereal.
Things I can/will do to maintain energy
#1 Drink plenty of water
Love my water. It’s so good for our health guys. I’m not a big health freak but I am a big water drinker and if I’m being honest I take every opportunity that I get to promote the benefits of drinking water. So of course I will be keeping this as an essential part of my daily routine.
#2 Exercise for at least 15 minutes
I need to make this a habit that I don’t just do when I want to be successful for the day. I need to be comfortable and motivated enough to do this for the benefit of my overall health. I’ve been really good about keeping a regular routine of exercising, but now I need to find out how to do it on a consistent basis. And honestly guys, I think I’m getting better and better at this with each passing day.
#3 Get 8 hours of sleep
I need to learn how to incorporate the strategy I use when I need 8 hours of sleep, into the days when it’s not necessarily needed as much. And if I’m being honest there are just nights when I’d rather binge watch a TV series, or spend the night watching movies or anime, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But I need to learn how to manage it better. Pick and choose the nights I can do it, and on the other nights put more of an effort into getting s good night’s rest.
#4 Eat clean
I’m sure you can imagine where this is going. When we eat good we feel good! I’ve actually been doing a better job at this, this year than I have my whole life. And I know once I commit to practicing this more, it will do wonders for my health, my energy, and my confidence. I encourage you all to do the same. It’s also a great way to maintain a high-energy level throughout the day.
#5 Don’t skip breakfast
As I mentioned I’m not a breakfast eater. A big part of why I don’t usually eat breakfast is because I’m too tired to crawl out of bed any time before 9:30 in the morning. And I know for some this is still early in the morning, and for most it’s not. Trust me on most days it’s still pretty early for me as well, but I also have days when I feel like 9:30am is a reasonable time of day to be productive. So, I usually skip breakfast because very rarely am I up before 9:30am, and when I do get up I just feel like it’s such an awkward transition from breakfast into lunch. So I usually avoid this. But I know once I get into a routine of getting plenty of rest, getting that jump start booster to my day, I’ll be able to eat breakfast more often.
#6 Take naps when needed
I love taking naps. If I could I would take one every day. But I never seem to be able to take a nap when I need it most. It’s usually only when I’m ether super exhausted, extremely bored, or too into my emotions. But I need to allow myself to take power naps when my mind or body needs a reset.
#7 Take time for myself
I’ve been doing better at this but I need to commit to it more. Whether its participating in my favorite activities, or just meditating, I need to make a deeper commitment to take time for myself. There’s nothing better than being completely tuned in with how your mind and body is responding to the things that you do in your life and to yourself.
#8 Start each day with an intention
This is something I have been doing a lot of in my acting class. And you know what, I like it! It gives me a clear direction for how I want to go about my day. I’d like to make a habit of doing this every day in addition to all my other activities. I know it will be good for me.
#9 Meditate
This is probably the one thing I really need to do more of. This kind of goes hand in hand with taking time for myself, but really, I need to tune in more with my thoughts and my emotions. The best way to do this is to meditate or take some form of quiet time for yourself. I want to be able to do this every day in order to be in a positive headspace when I feel myself slipping through the cracks.
#10 Be stress free
Very simple. Stress less. I’ve been doing good with this as well but every now and then I let my anxiety take over. I think with the committed practice of meditating and taking time for myself more, this is something I can make a habit out of.
#11 Smile more
Also very simple. Smile more. When we smile, we trick our brain into producing positive thoughts. I hope that by doing this more, especially when I do feel my anxiety taking over, I’ll be reminded to take a deep breath and not let the little things overwhelm me as much.
These are things that I do and thing I can and will do more of on a daily basis. I have a lot of great projects planned that I would really love to follow through with. I also have a lot of great opportunities happening for me that I would love to be able to participate in. I’ve been told one too many times that I have a tendency to block my blessings, and I don’t want to make a habit of doing that.
So with these new daily practices incorporated into my lifestyle, I think I’ll find that I’ll be a lot happier, healthier, and outgoing. At least for an introvert anyways.
So what do you think? Do you have any ideas? Will you be trying any of these? Let me know, and be well guys!
See you soon.
-Xo
Kimora