Photo collage by practicalowl.
I have trouble being productive unless I stick to a routine.Does the trouble lie with age-related challenges to energy and cognition?
Or do I merely have more responsibilities as a middle aged person--busy kids, a big house, paid work, volunteer work and a little bit of a social life?
Whether it's a weather-beaten body or the midlife juggling of duties, I find that I must stick to a routine or I completely fall apart -- mind, body and soul.
I'm younger than the participants of this study of 96 people 58 to 89 years old, but researchers found that those who kept to a regular routine of eating, bathing, dressing, and so forth enjoyed better sleep.
My own research study of 1 shows the following. I have to stick to the following routine:
- Diet. I must eat a high protein diet that is low in refined carbohydrates, and I have to eat every 2 or 3 hours. (I am hypoglycemic.) I also need to stay properly hydrated. If I fail to do keep a responsible diet, I am dizzy, grumpy and tired (after moving through a hypoglycemic mania first).
- Exercise. I must get between 30 minutes and 90 minutes of exercise. If I fail to do this, I have trouble managing anxiety, or I am low energy.
- Bathing/Dressing. If I don't get dressed, I am less focused.
- Sleep. If I stay up too late, I have problems with energy and focus the next day.
- Household Chores. I need to keep up with housework, or I end up losing things or tripping over things.
- Balance. Many of the above points gesture to physical wellness. However, I also need to pursue wellness in these other 5 areas: spiritual, intellectual, occupational, emotional and social.
What daily tasks are key to your productivity and wellness?
Related:
Lifestyle Choices Help us to Get Old
