Having a daily routine will really help you do your job well. The better you get at your routine, the more accustomed you will become to performing tasks and the easier it will be for you to motivate yourself. The hardest part is establishing a routine that can be followed every day. If you're having trouble completing tasks on a regular basis, start making small changes and try to figure out what's going on.
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Part 1 of 2: Scheduling Daily Routines
Step 1. Take the time to start recording all your daily activities
Use the to-do, notebook, or calendar app on your phone. Write down the time to start and finish each activity, no matter how small. This will create a list that shows you exactly how you pass the time during the day.
If today's schedule is not as usual, make another schedule tomorrow or prepare a daily schedule for one week
Step 2. Cut down on daily activities that you don't like
Instead of creating an entirely new daily schedule, this method will establish a daily routine by selecting activities from an existing schedule. Take a look at the daily list that you have created and determine which activities need to be shortened, such as procrastinating habits or using social media. Cross out activities that are not useful from the list.
Step 3. Replace with useful activities
Calculate the time you can save by eliminating some daily activities. Write down the activities you want to do to pass the time, such as working, studying, cleaning the house, or doing other activities that are more useful.
Step 4. Make a daily schedule
Use existing schedules and change plan notes to create workable routines. You are free to determine the order of the activities, but do not change the required duration. If today you eat breakfast for thirty minutes, assume the same time for tomorrow morning.
If there's a new activity you want to add to your schedule, estimate its duration and then add 1/3 of the time it takes
Step 5. Set aside enough time to sleep
In order to stay alert and work properly, adults should sleep 7-8 hours a night. Children and adolescents usually need at least 9 hours of sleep. Schedule time to go to bed and get up early as needed so that your daily routine can run well.
Step 6. Set a time to rest and have fun
If your draft routine is filled with activities from when you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, you may be too tired or give up immediately when the unexpected happens. If possible, take at least 30-60 minutes to relax and take several 5-15 minute breaks in between useful activities.
Step 7. Try implementing this schedule for one day
Test the schedule that you have compiled by doing activities in sequence. If you can't, write down what changed and why.
Step 8. Change the schedule based on experience
At the end of the day, take time to review your schedule. If there is an unrealistic time estimate, increase the duration and reduce the time for activities that are not needed. If you finish an activity 20 minutes early, reduce its duration in your schedule. If the sequence of activities is not appropriate or still not good, try to arrange it again in a different order.
Step 9. Repeat the above method again until you can apply the schedule well
Perform activities according to the schedule that has been changed. If it still doesn't work, adjust it and try again. If you're having trouble sticking to your regular schedule, read the following instructions.
Part 2 of 2: Motivate Yourself to Implement a Routine Schedule
Step 1. Adjust your body's natural rhythm
Everyone has a different natural body schedule or circadian rhythm. This schedule allows a person to determine when he feels tired or awake. Set up a regular schedule that uses the time you are awake to do activities that require mental and physical strength. Also, schedule breaks when you feel tired or have trouble thinking.
Consult a doctor if you need advice or want to adjust the body's natural rhythms. Or, look for more information on the internet about this
Step 2. Find a way to start a routine
If you're in a hurry or feeling confused in the morning, this may be a weak point in your schedule. Adjust this schedule again until you can determine the right routine to start daily activities. Example:
- Drink a glass of water to refresh yourself when you wake up in the morning then drink coffee or tea according to taste.
- Do stretching or light exercise to give your body more energy, for example by doing warm-up movements while practicing yoga.
- Make it a habit to eat breakfast at the same time or set a breakfast menu the night before.
Step 3. Read the regular schedule twice a day
Prepare yourself for at least 10 minutes every morning before engaging in activities throughout the day. If there are extra responsibilities today, temporary stressors, or other out-of-the-box needs, identify activities that you can eliminate today, if needed. In the evening, try to review again and think about whether your decisions can improve the implementation of daily routines.
Step 4. Find activities that keep you refreshed
Even if you're very busy, take 5-15 minute breaks twice a day to refresh yourself and make you more ready to complete the day's activities. Look for other activities if you feel stressed or irritated during your break and need to take longer breaks. Try doing some of the following activities:
- Light exercise, such as walking or jogging can refresh the body and increase energy.
- Doing fun activities with a time limit will prevent prolonged rest. Example: listen to music for 15 minutes or read a chapter of a book.
- If you are very tired, lie down with your eyes closed or meditate to restore strength. Set an alarm if there are other important tasks waiting.
Step 5. Use your voice to motivate yourself
If you often run out of time, set an alarm on your phone or watch the time you start an activity so you know when to do the next activity. Listen to music as a fun source of motivation, save songs in order or by category according to the task to be done. Example:
- Choose music with a rhythmic beat that doesn't take up too much attention if you have to concentrate.
- Choose quiet music when relaxing or doing things you enjoy.
- Choose upbeat loud music if you're feeling tired and really need a boost.
Step 6. Don't stall for time
Keep distracting things at work. If you work on a computer and are used to taking your time on the internet, block time-consuming websites.
Step 7. Use electronic productivity tools
There are various tools that can motivate, remind, or give you virtual gifts to stay productive. Try using HabitRPG if you're motivated by a game or a calendar program that can remind you of your next task.
Step 8. Get rid of things that interfere with your sleep schedule
Blue light from electronic device screens can inhibit the production of sleep hormones. Turn off your computer, phone and TV at night or use the Flux app to change the screen color at night. Caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs also make it difficult to fall asleep at night.
Tips
- Copy or print the regular schedule by making a small box next to each activity for checking. Use a pen or pencil to mark every routine activity that you have done every day so you don't miss anything.
- You may need to make a daily schedule for one week if you are doing work or taking classes on a different schedule each day.