To stay on the Energy Drainer topic, I thought I would share something that I focus on daily, that helps me maintain my energy, and keeps me on track and that is planning my day.
I 'Design my Day'.
If we don't control our day, our day will control us!
Let's take a look at how you could Design Your Day:
Designing a Great Startup Routine
The way you start your day can have a dramatic impact on whether you start the day feeling fresh, centred, and from a firm foundation rather than starting a day running, looking for things and feeling like chicken with its head cut off. I have seen the difference in myself once I wrote out a plan for my Start-up routine!
What is your morning routine like? Do you have one designed?
My morning routine begins with my yoga mat in my bedroom in front of the window so that I can start with some meditation and stretches/poses. My water bottle is also sitting there ready so that I am not having to fetch this. I also have my fitness clothes set out so I don't have to search for things.
I then go for a walk and do some fitness.
I often hear "I don't have time!"
Even if you don't have too much time, taking 10 minutes for some self-care will set your day for success. What a difference it makes with your mindset!
Designing a Workday Routine
Then it's time to get ready for a workday!
Do you have a routine in place?
Do you check your client's charts the night before or go in early to review who is coming in and what you will need?
Taking the time to review your charts is another great way to set your day up for success.
A typical day in a clinical setting, is pretty much set up for you. Hopefully, you have some control of your day in your practice. Perhaps it starts with the morning meeting/huddle to help make sure everything runs smoothly to plan on what you will need for each client, who will need an exam and perhaps who can help you when indicated. Also, this is a great chance to review who has outstanding treatment, etc.
Do you try to schedule your more difficult cases in the morning?
Do you have sufficient time in your appointment, or are you stressed and feeling like you need to pack everything in one appointment?
Do you have weekly or monthly meetings to look at the past week or month and look forward toward the next week or month? Do you look at your production numbers so that you can see where you are at and set goals for the next month?
Designing an Evening Routine
We live in such a go-go busy life. It is a great idea to take some time for yourself to set your next day up for success. Plan an evening shut-down time.
Plan and prepare your meals that you will take to work. Get your fitness clothes, and shoes out, water, etc. so that you are all set to go in the morning!
Shut down the TV a half hour before bed.
Take time to sit on your mat again and do 10 minutes of meditation and stretching.
Perhaps you can reflect on the day. Do you keep a journal? Writing down the things you are grateful for each day will have a big impact on your health and happiness. It only takes a few minutes a day, but it can give you a lasting mood boost that can take you from feeling “okay” to feeling “great” on a more regular basis.
We need more reminders of these things especially during these days that can bring on so much fatigue.
We need to design our day or our day will be designed for us.
Make your day happen otherwise your day will happen to you!
Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!
Kindest regards,
Kathleen