My Routines
The one thing I missed the most about my corporate life in Canada were my routines. After moving from place to place across the globe, I realize the only way for me to be productive and effective is to develop routines. With these on-going changes, I have become an expert with developing routines quickly (in one week) no matter where I am. I want to share with you some of tools I have learned to develop routines:
3 Meals A Day
Exercise
Identify and keeping your essential items
3 Meals A Day
For those who knows me, knows that eating is my favourite time each day. Even when I am on the diet, I constantly think about the next meal and how I can invigorate my taste buds while doing my best to be healthy. My goal is to never skip a meal, and therefore I use the three meals each day to schedule out my day.
For example, I think about what needs to be done before breakfast, what needs to be done before lunch, and what needs to be done before dinner or what can be done after dinner. It gives me an extra push to meet those requirements because the reward for myself is the awesome meal I’m about to feed myself once I accomplish these goals. Sure it sounds simple, but when you don’t have a routine it can help keep you on track. Below are some examples based on pre-student/nomad life and my current nomad life:
All times are approximate, I’m not a robot.
Exercise
This might sound like an Asian mother nagging but exercise is actually one of the best way to create productivity: it clears your head and releases dopamine for your brain to feel really good about yourself. Personally for me, I find working out once a day in the morning keep me more energetic the entire day - hence the early runs/ swims I have in my regular schedule. Even a light stroll after dinner makes you feel better - I often use that time to reflect or if I was taking a stroll with someone else then I get to really catch up with that person.
I won’t name more benefit of exercises, but it has help me reduce stress and anxiety (I’m a very anxious person!), keep focus and even time to reflect. And for those who says they’re not good at exercising - I will admit that I am the least coordinated person I (and my friends) know. Therefore I stick to endurance or slower exercises like running and swimming (since it is one action on repeat) - and to help improve my balance, focus, reflex and strength I do pilate and yoga. Rock climbing is also very good for focus (and grip of death!). I pretty much enjoy sports when another person cannot affect me in any way - ha! However, I think trying out team sports or even doing dance is a good way to exercise.
Lastly, it is a good social activity - you can join clubs or talk to others about your endeavours. For nomads or people who move around a lot, it is a great way to connect with people!
Identify and Keeping Your Essentials
One big thing of moving is finding your essentials that keeps you grounded and comfortable. Having these essential items can almost make you feel anywhere can be home. At least for me, when I feel most comfortable then I am able think about routine and live my best life. I’ll share with you how I identify my essential items in a late post, but try to find your own first.
