12 STEPS TO A MORE PRODUCTIVE DAY

Some days I feel super productive and some days I'm like, "what did I do all day?".  It's almost as if I got off on the wrong side of the bed and then the entire day is just weird.  However, some days I feel like I 'm motivated and on top of things.  I know it's not rocket science, but more about how I go about my day (and especially start my morning) that truly effects everything.  Here are 12 steps that I feel like make for a much more productive day for me!

Photo by Emily Christopher...we were in Hawaii!!!

1.  Wake up and get up.  Ironman and I set our alarm for the same time every day and don't hit the snooze button.  I know it's hard to break that habit if you're already used to it, but you'll be much more awake and rested each day if you stick to it.

2.  Ningxia Red.  Before anything else hits my stomach, I like to start with this Young Living superfruit supplement.  I've noticed a difference in my hair, skin and nails, energy levels, digestion and so much more over the past three years of taking this daily.

3.  Get moving.  My favorite way to get in some cardio is to take a walk.  I love to head outdoors, get some sunlight and fresh air and better yet, catch up with my sister who walks with me each morning.  It's a great way to get up and moving and start the day off on a positive note.  Most days, Emily from Just Because comes over at noon and we get in a more intense workout, like HIIT or something else that just about kills us.

The best is when you can take your morning walk on the beach!

4.  Stay hydrated.  I know that they say to do this when you first wake up, but then I'll be out on my walk and regret all the water.  So, when I get back home, I do my best to guzzle 32 ounces.  I find it I start off well in the morning, I usually do well the rest of the day.

5.  Enjoy some quiet time.  Sometimes this is while sitting on my leather couch and reading Jesus Calling and sometimes it's while taking a hot bath.  I just know that every morning I need some alone time to be quiet, think and pray.  It makes me feel a lot more calm and helps me start my day focused.

6.  Eat breakfast.  Homemade granola and smoothies are my favorite.  I've always thought it is crazy that people can skip this meal.  Every time I've tried to skip or had to, I've felt nauseated and dizzy.  I know it's often said to be the most important meal and that you should never skip.  Although I can't skip, I think it's best for people to eat when they feel hungry and not simply when they are told they should eat.

7.  Tidy up.  Walk through the house and put things back in their place, do the dishes, make your bed and start a load of laundry.  Your day will be much more productive if you are in a clean and clutter free environment, especially if you are like me and work from home.

8.  Dress to impress.  I look back at old photos and see how well people dressed only decades ago.  It seems that it's going steadily downhill.  I don't believe that the problem is that we have less time or money to take care of ourselves, but that we just choose to put other things first.  I love the capsule wardrobe because it gives me less (but better) choices, which makes getting dressed that much easier.  Also, when I set boundaries with social media and Netflix, I find that I have much more time to care for myself and my home.

9.  Get started.  Look at your calendar to remind yourself of appointments or planned events.  If you have a lot to do and feel you don't know where to start, write out a list of everything you need to get accomplished.  This will help you stay on top of things and make sure that you use your time well.

10.  Stay focused.  Plan time to text, make phone calls, check and respond to FaceBook, Instagram and your emails.  Make sure that you set boundaries on that time so that you aren't mindlessly wasting away your day.  When you are at work, work.  When you are at play, play.  When you are eating a meal, eat.  When you are catching up with a friend, do that.  Whatever you are doing, be all there.  And remember not to plan too much in one day.  Give yourself time to get everything done well, without feeling all hurried and frazzled.

11.  Turn off.  Once the day is done, put it all behind you.  Get off social media, phone, emails and put away your work.  Take the time to wind down.  Spend time with your family.  Enjoy your dinner. Go on a bike ride.  Join a Bible study.  Whatever it is, make sure that you set boundaries between your work life and home life.  Work to live, don't live to work.  You need a life...a real life, with hobbies and friends and rest.  Plus, the down time will mean that when you are working, you do a better job.

12.  Goodnight.  At least an hour before going to sleep, start your bedtime ritual (and I don't mean watching TV).  Take a bath, read a book, diffuse some calming essential oils (StressAway is my absolute favorite)...do something relaxing that doesn't involve a screen.  Go to bed at the same time each night.  Get an alarm clock and leave your phone in another room.  You'll sleep so much better, I promise!

If I have had a productive day, I am much more able to relax and rest better that night.  Feeling that I used my time wisely to take care of myself, my home and get things done always helps me to feel accomplished and proud of myself at the end of the day.

What is one thing that you do each day that helps you have a more productive day?