One of the best ways you can start 2022 off right is by establishing a healthy daily routine. Creating a daily routine may seem like a large feat at first, but we promise you - it’s worth it.
Here at Rivvly, we focus on what it truly means to have a work-life balance. This is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days - but how many companies actually want their employees to experience it? We believe (and pursue daily) having a life outside of our work. Since we work remotely, sometimes this can come as a challenge. Our computers are always with us. Whether it’s a laptop, desktop, or iPhone - technology is at our fingertips. It’s not the same as working in an office where you can “leave your work at work”.
But with remote work, comes a new sense of empowerment and flexibility that you won’t find working anywhere else. You have the ability to determine your own schedule, set priorities, and take breaks when needed.
A recent article released from Northwestern Medicine shared how having a routine can greatly improve your overall health.
Excerpt:
Many people who don’t have any type of routine suffer from: Stress, Poor Sleep, Poor Eating, Poor Physical Condition, and Ineffective Use of Time.
On the flip side of this, those that do have a healthy established routine experience:
Better Stress Levels
Better Sleep
Better Health
By establishing healthy boundaries and a work-day routine, you can set yourself and your business up for success. Here are just a few tips to get you started:
Before reaching for your phone or computer, spend time in meditation, writing down your thoughts, or walking around the house (or outdoors).
Studies have shown that by grabbing your phone first thing and immediately diving into the online world, you force your body to skip the important theta and alpha stages and go straight from the delta stage to being wide awake and alert (also known as the beta state).
Start the morning with a healthy, nourishing meal or smoothie.
We’ve all heard the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and it actually has some scientific evidence to back it up. When you eat breakfast, or drink a smoothie or start your day with something healthy - your body replenishes the stores of energy and nutrients. It breaks your overnight fasting period and improves your energy levels.
VA Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a new way to help your body start out right - try an 8-ounce glass of room temperature or warm water with half a lemon squeezed in. This will not only help with hydration but also rids your gut of toxins through the fresh lemon juice.
Create healthy boundaries when it comes to screen time.
Taking breaks throughout the day has numerous benefits for your health. If you sit at a desk, be sure to get up and walk around about every hour or so. This helps to circulate blood flow, stimulate your mind and help your back muscles from becoming stiff. Taking a break from the screen is also beneficial for your eyes.
Once you have established “working hours” - try your best not to break them. Close your laptop at the same time every day and leave the work there. You want to be the best version of yourself for the people you love. This empowers you to be fully present for the moments that count.
Move your body.
Moving our bodies is critical. Whether that’s a full workout at the gym, or walking around the block after work - your body needs movement. The current world we live in has us on our phones, computers, and televisions more than ever before. Our attention spans are shortening and our brains are overstimulated.
The release of endorphins we experience when we exercise helps to combat depression, anxiety and improve our overall mood. Who doesn’t need that boost in 2021?
Creating your daily routine ultimately comes down to you and your needs. You are the only person who knows what is right for YOU.
Maybe it’s a smoothie in the morning, a cup of tea in the evening, and a yoga class after work. Or, it’s a walk around the neighborhood with your dogs and taking a break each hour of the workday.
Whatever it is that works for you - do that. We hope that through establishing a daily routine, you will find more time for yourself, your people, and what you love.
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