As August draws to a close, and as our leisurely hours lessen, the need for an efficient, yet satisfying daily routine will be even more important. With the long Labor Day weekend about to arrive, why not take some time to contemplate the habits, routines, and new discoveries that make your day run smoother and more pleasant? Consider why you enjoy the slower pace of summer: what does it allow you to do that you don’t usually afford yourself during the rest of the nine months of the year? Here are some tweaks that may be worth working into your daily routine:
1. Place fresh flowers on your desk from the market each week. Buy in season and the price will decrease. Certainly a simply luxury that will not only brighten your day, but anyone who steps into your work space.
2. Create a mandatory “me-time” break (even if for 15 minutes) during your workday. Step outside, flip through your favorite magazine, walk to the corner café, and purchase your favorite cup of caffeine.
3. Do something to help someone (no matter how small). The feeling of having lessened the burden for someone else (whether they know it was done by you or not) creates a natural euphoric feeling in the body. Try to incorporate more of these selfless actions without expecting anything in return, and your days will become a bit more enjoyable.
4. Be kinder than expected. No matter who or what the situation, choose to be kind to those involved. This doesn’t mean you have to give away your power or bend over backwards taking on extra responsibilities, but keep others’ feelings in mind, bite your tongue when you so badly want to say a sharp remark, or compliment someone just because. When you get home at the end of the day, you’ll be glad you choose this route instead of the alternative.
5. Sun Salutations. Each morning before work I now complete three full sun salutations followed by a balance pose (tree is my favorite). It allows me to gather my focus, stretch my body and gear up for whatever the day may bring (and it only takes five minutes). During this summer I savored the opportunity to practice these poses outside, as the sun would rise – an amazingly motivating feeling. However, even when I do it inside, it still provides a simple boost to my morning.
Click here to view a few more routines you might want to incorporate in your day.
Author: Shannon Ables Photo credit: Michael Penney Style.
