No two people are alike — there are countless approaches to solving problems and accomplishing tasks. However, some approaches are better than others, so set yourself apart from the rest and establish the best daily habits to help you reach your goals.
Google Co-Founder, Larry Page, believes that when you’re trying to change the world, your eagerness to make progress begins as soon as you wake up. Hence, building your morning routine is vital for increased productivity and success in your endeavors.
Just as your morning should be well-planned, so should your post-work evening — you will be establishing lasting positive habits. Your physical and mental states in the evening set you up for your performance the next day. By being intentional in your evening routine, you are choosing to boost and recharge your motivation levels.
If you stay on top of your hectic day, you will ensure that your actions will keep you energized and inspired from morning to night. Integrate these six evening habits into your daily life. You will be getting the most out of your time and making great leaps toward your long-term goals.
Have a plan
When we don’t have anything planned, a common tendency is to get stuck with a ‘default’ activity from which we usually don’t benefit. For instance, after 6:00 pm, you might binge eat unhealthy snacks because you hadn’t planned dinner. By taking the time to plan, you avoid accumulating hours of being consumed by things that are not in alignment with what you really want to achieve.
Take full control of your life by sticking to a plan that will keep you three steps ahead of the game. To avoid being too unfocused, find an activity that will benefit you in the long run, like a creative outlet or a physical activity, and make it part of your routine.
Unplug from work
There are many people who cannot seem to get their heads out of work. While enthusiasm is needed to excel, too much of it can lead to mental exhaustion. Furthermore, according to studies, overworking can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.
As humans, we need time to breathe and relax. So, if you haven’t yet figured out how, start simply by setting a time to be away from common distractions. For instance, after 6:00 pm, put down your phone and other gadgets and shift your attention to other important areas of your life. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, does this and admits that although it’s painful at first, it ultimately gives her peace of mind.
Keep in mind that your to-do list will never be completely empty, so give your brain and body a break by knowing when to unplug. In this way, you will get the rest you need to be able to come back with renewed strength the following day.
Reconnect with people
A recent research study has linked a lack of social connection to a shorter life span and poorer quality of life. To maintain your emotional stability, find time to reconnect with people who are important to you.
If you are aiming for holistic growth, this should be an important aspect of your routine. After a very long and tiring day at work, you need an outlet that allows you to freely express your thoughts and feelings.
Don’t underestimate the power of maintaining healthy relationships to support a positive outlook on life.
Find new ideas
The evening is a great time for finding fresh ideas that your brain might not have produced in the morning when you were too preoccupied with immediate priorities. Discover new insights and increase your knowledge by snuggling up to a good book during your extra time at night.
Mega-successful people like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk (among others) are self-confessed voracious readers. Develop the habit of broadening your perspective by devoting a regular time to reading.
Meditate
Aside from taking good care of your physical health, remember to pay attention to your mental needs. More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of simply sitting and clearing their mind –positive effects include improved memory and stress relief.
Since there’s no denying that work can be stressful, you should engage in activities that give your mind and body relief. Meditation comes in many forms and can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before going to bed. Calm your spirit during these quiet moments with yourself.
Prepare for the next day
Always take the time to prepare for your next day’s priorities. I don’t mean that you should be doing any actual work the night before, but it’s wise to make a mental note (or a paper note) of your targets so that you have less thinking to do tomorrow. It will save you time and energy that is better spent taking action.
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” — Warren Buffett
Summary
To keep your performance at an optimum level, be aware of your nighttime activities and consider how they are beneficial to your health and wellness. Your evenings should be used to reboot your mind and body so that you will be able to wake up with renewed energy the following day. You must cover all your bases to ensure that you function at your best and continuously accomplish things that will take you to your next milestone.
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Originally published at medium.com