We all want to know how to do your best work every day so we can achieve all our dreams like the movers and shakers that inspire us. As a career mom, a blogger, an Angeleno with a 3-hour commute and a devoted martial artist and yogi – I have come to understand how crucial it is to work effectively and manage my time efficiently every single day. There is so much to do and so little time! We’re all familiar with the clutter in life and inundation of red on our calendars.
Figure out what works for you (cut the fat!) and how to do your best work every day for things that matter (work deadlines, volunteer commitments, parenting, etc.). Over time, I’ve stuck to the routines and rituals below — and it’s what I recommend if you’re having difficulty focusing or managing your time well. My ways may not all work for you – – they’re just gentle guidelines so you can figure out what does. Enjoy!
HOW TO DO YOUR BEST WORK EVERY DAY
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FIND OUT YOUR CHRONOTYPE
Perhaps it’s time to figure out your chronotype. Are you a morning person? A night person? It turns out it’s more complicated than that. Your chronotype is your own biological clock that controls your body’s rhythms — it is your body’s propensity to sleep at a particular time (which is highly genetically determined).
DR. MICHAEL BREUS (Clinical Psychologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine) breaks down sleep types into four chronotypes: the dolphin, the lion, the bear, the wolf.
Find out what you are and know when you should be sleeping to achieve the most efficient body and mind restoration.
Interestingly, I assumed I was a lion, but this chronotype quiz told me I was a bear!
WAKE UP BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE WAKES UP
If you happen to be a morning person like me, you can happily get your much needed alone time. The quiet time is my sanctuary. It’s when I map out my day, work on my blog, return emails and texts and have the peace to get creative.
BULLETPROOF COFFEE
Mmm. I am literally sipping it now as I’m writing this at 4:42 in the AM. It’s satiating, comforting, brain clarity inducing and energizing. In a little bit, I’ll be heading out for a morning walk and then into the car for Hot Yoga. Nothing better for kicking things up a notch than my soothing bulletproof coffee. Thanks, Dave Asprey!
SCHEDULE ALONE TIME IN YOUR CALENDAR
These are real appointments that cannot be canceled. Whether they’re workouts, yoga/meditation practices, quiet walks, or time to chill. You need it for your sanity and it will help gear you up for the social chaos that you’re bound to encounter throughout the rest of your day.
FILL YOUR CALENDAR ONLY WITH STUFF YOU WANT TO BE DOING
Life is short, plain and simple. Don’t fill your days with things you feel like you have to do. Take ownership in your ability to say no. My time is so limited, I only do lunches, brunches, coffees, music shows, hangouts with those whom I respect and love. You’re not doing anyone any favors if your mind and focus are only mildly present.
CUT THE NOISE
Take out any negativity in your life and don’t pay it any attention. Naysayers, dream squashers, controlling colleagues. Adios!
TAKE CARE OF YOUR VESSEL EVERY DAY
Be in tune with your body every day. It’s what carries your brain, your spirit. Move, do anything. Whether it’s yoga, Crossfit, HIIT training, walking up the hill. Do anything. The physical routine of it is the best mental massage.
TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS
I used to have NYT and CNN notifications pop up on my phone – and it’d only leave me agitated and upset. Reserve other moments in your day for catching up on politics and worldly news. If it’s flooding your psyche 24/7, it will cripple your mobility and ability to do anything. Keep your mind clean and focused.
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