Getting ready for a new day

I'm writing this on one of the first Mondays I felt good in a while. I don't feel exhausted. I don't feel anxious. I don't feel alone. I feel good. This year has been really tough, full of uncertainty, challenges, new beginnings, and a lot of sudden decisions to make. I definitely won't hide it, it broke me a little.

But today, after a long, long time, the sun is out and I feel that I'm getting my energy back. I woke up early, played some music, cleaned my apartment, put on some normal clothes and make-up (WOW), and now I'm ready to start the week. But before I do, let's look into some techniques of how we can improve and get better on any new beginnings, either of the week, month, year, or whatever else.

1. Get a good night sleep the night before

I know, finishing out that season is so tempting. Same as finishing that book, or the movie and so. But so is your mood and productivity for the next day. I can't even count the days I've neglected my sleep. As an architecture student with the studies being a bit challenging at times, you have countless sleepless nights and even periods with no sleep at all. It happens, and so often. It's super toxic, for sure, but that's how you learn how important sleep is. It's so funny only thinking of our childhood when we all would cry when our parents or grandparents would try to send us to sleep. How naive were we, right? But now, for real. Try to find an appropriate time for you to get to bed and set a limit, find the balance, and try to get at least 7 hours of good sleep. I personally try to wake up as early as possible the next day, it's just so beautiful and I get so much more out of the day that way. The morning smell of the day just beginning. It's pure magic to just experience it all.

2. Don't snooze your alarm

I'd love to say that I got this one handled, but that would definitely be a big big lie. I used to commute for about 2 hours to get work when I lived in Denmark. That was super hard to just get into this mindset of setting up my new routine, wake up every morning at 5 or even earlier, and then get ready for a new day. I would say that many of these things I am writing here, I discovered and developed in that period. I would set like 4 different alarms, just to make sure that I get up and get prepared just in time to catch the train. So I'd have one alarm for when I would have to wake up (nah), another one for when I would really have to wake up (!). Then, I'd give myself 30-40 minutes to get ready and I'd have a new alarm for when I have to get my things and prepare to leave the house, then another 5 minutes later for when I HAVE to leave the house. If not, the train would be lost and I'd be late for work. I know that this whole routine might sound crazy or make me a control freak or a bit OCD (I might too), but that was the only way I could make sure that I have a schedule and I'd get ready in time. And no, I don't do it anymore. Now I'm trying to develop a new system, more realistic and normal. It's definitely a struggle, but you get to really appreciate your sleep and helps you create and sustain your discipline. So do it. Push yourself and find that right system to work just for you.

3. Play your favorite music

This morning I was listening to this playlist, but there's definitely so many more out there. I normally listen to this kind of music when I'm working, or even podcasts, something that is calming and helping me focus. Now, don't take my word for it. Find your own, or you maybe already have it, save it nicely somewhere, and play it whenever you feel like. Music helps so much. The same as dance [1], and it's said also that few minutes of dance a day helps us improve our mental health and gives us dopamine [2].

4. Get dressed like any other normal day

You might already be doing it. This helped me so much in these past months of lockdown. I'd put on the same clothes as a normal working day, also some perfume, maybe a bit of make-up here and there. That would help so much setting up the 'working mood' and would make me understand that although I am working from home, I'm doing 'work' actually. I do sometimes spend my days in pajamas, of course, depending on the mood, but then it really feels like a holiday, and sometimes when we got a lot do, we don't really want that.

5. Organize and stay focused

I'd always prepare a to-do list from the day before, just to have something to start up with for the next day. Actually every Sunday, I'm dedicating some time to reflect on what would be my main responsibilities for the coming week and how I'd organize. It's a good way to get a feel of what's coming and helps with the focus. Now, I don't know how everyone is doing it, but I'm personally a huge fan of lists (yep, OCD much). So I'd have one, which does help me oversee all my activities. If you don't use them, just try - there are also other alternatives out there, like digital, app-based, or simply the traditional pen and paper.

6. What are you grateful for?

With everything happening in the world right now, I think it's so important to just stop sometimes and reflect on our lives, acknowledge our privileges, and be grateful for it. Only writing this is a huge privilege. Same as reading it. And I am SO grateful that I finally got my s* together and started creating again. I genuinely wish that we would all have equal opportunities, but unfortunately, we have such a long way to go and it might never really happen. Now I'm asking you... What are you grateful for? And most importantly, how can you share this further to make other's days a little better? Today, I'm writing this piece. Other times, I'd travel all across the world to volunteer and contribute for real, from the little I have, with the little I can. And I am so much looking forward to being able to do this again.

For that, I'm trying to remain hopeful, and find those little things that make me happy. I hope you'll find yours too.

Until next time...

Stay healthy and grateful

Adriana

P.S.

If you like what you read, send it to one person that needs to read this today :)

Read my story on "Why do people fear change?"

References:

[1] Why dancing feels so good

[2] What is dopamine?