As you make the transition from youth to adulthood, your daily routine becomes more like a lifestyle than it did before. If you have been bouncing back and forth between jobs, there is some degree of adjustment to be made in terms of work-life balance. But if you have not been away from your job very long, the transition may seem less dramatic.
When you’re young, most of your life revolves around having fun and playing. But when you grow up, you have to figure out how to create a routine that will help you avoid burnout and work harder. Here are some ideas for keeping yourself on task:
o Set up a plan for completing your daily tasks. Do each task one at a time, and set a deadline for when you want to complete each task. For example, if you are making lunch, set a timer for fifteen minutes, then decide on the following day how many slices of bread you want for lunch.
o A good rule of thumb is to make it easier to complete your daily tasks by doing them at different times of the day. Try to schedule your work-related tasks for different times throughout the day. Even if you have no idea what you are going to do when you get up in the morning, try it.
o Use projects to get yourself away from work-related tasks. Sometimes it is easier to do work than to spend time doing something else. Maybe you could make a list of all the things you would enjoy doing when you aren’t working. The more enjoyable you find your hobbies or interests, the better off you will be.
o Practice completing work-related tasks in groups rather than doing each task individually. It will be less daunting to complete a project this way.
o Get the help of a friend or family member to check in with you at home when you’re feeling overwhelmed. This is an especially good idea when you have a number of things on your plate. You can schedule a call with them so that you can talk about your day.
o Make your morning work off to be a “get-together.” If you can’t get up early enough to get to work, find some other way to get ready for work. Take the car into the garage instead of trying to find parking.
o Make your work-related tasks easier to finish with the organization. Find a paper or computer program that will help you keep track of your daily tasks and eliminate the clutter. Put it in a convenient place where you can find it quickly.
o Consider incorporating aspects of nature into your daily routine. Find a relaxing place to take a bubble bath, read a book, or visit with a pet. You may be surprised at how much better you feel when you stay away from the stress of your workaday life.
A great thing about developing a daily routine is that you will see the rewards of your efforts. As you make your life better and find a comfortable pace in your work-related tasks, the benefits will spread throughout your entire life. These will be the times when you truly know what your routine is.
