Our Good Life participates in affiliate marketing and other forms of advertising. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think they will be of use to you.

Routine Adjustments That Could Make A Huge Difference To Your Quality Of Life

Did you know that just a few simple routine adjustments could make a huge difference to your quality of life? Your routine right now may be pretty good, but if you feel like there’s something missing or that it could simply be better, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ll give you examples of adjustments you could make that could help you to feel better both mentally and physically. If this sounds like something you’d like to achieve, read on to learn more.

Exercise in the Morning


Maybe you already exercise - good for you! Getting into the exercise habit can be extremely difficult, but once you’re in it, it’s often difficult to stop. That being said, you may not be exercising at the optimal time. Exercising any time of day will be effective, however, exercising too close to bedtime, or even too late in the afternoon could keep you lying awake at night.

Exercising in the morning can actually help you to increase brain power and have a more productive day. Later on, you’ll likely sleep like a baby! If you prefer to workout at night time, can go without making excuses after a day at work, and want to continue, then more power to you. However, there are many benefits to exercising in the morning that most can enjoy.

Go To Bed At The Same Time Each Night


By going to bed at the same time each night, you get into a routine and almost instantly improve your sleep hygiene. Your sleep quality dictates how you feel, your appetite, how productive you are, stress levels, and so much more. If you simply make sure you’re in bed and asleep for a similar time each night, you should notice the positive benefits in your life in no time.

Get Up At The Same Time Each Day


As well as going to bed at the same time each night, you should get up at the same time each day. This part is crucial. Even when it is the weekend, you should be vigilant and stick to your routine. It can be difficult to do, but it’s so worth it when your body is naturally falling asleep and waking up like clockwork. You won’t believe that you ever had to lie in bed awake for hours or force yourself out of bed when you really didn’t want to get up.



source

Carry A Book Everywhere You Go



If you’d like to do more reading, one of the best ways to do this is to carry a book with you everywhere you go. Almost every wait can be a good time for reading. A wait in the queue at the supermarket, a wait in the doctor’s office, and even your break at work. If you don’t have a book with you, then you won’t have the opportunity and you’ll likely just feel compelled to scroll on your phone. You will be able to get so much more reading done when you carry a book.  Here's one that I am carrying around all the time now, Where to Go When by the Penguin Random House team. It is sectioned off by months, and it tells you where you should consider going each month!




Multi-Task On Long Journeys


If you take long journeys, whether occasionally or all the time, you can use this travel time to multitask. Driving to work could be an opportunity to listen to an audiobook or podcast that you’ve been meaning to listen to. Spending time on a train could be an opportunity to catch up with emails or set yourself up for a meeting. Doing this is often far more productive than scrolling social media or just listening to music. You won’t believe the amount of required reading you can get done in audiobook format when you make every drive an opportunity to listen!



Carry A Water Bottle With You


Instead of drinking a glass of water when you remember, carry a water bottle with you to remind yourself. You can also invest in one of the Berkey water filter systems so that you can cut back on plastic waste and save money in the long run - not to mention consume a higher quality of water. Buy a water bottle you really like and make sure you drink 2 liters a day, minimum, like the one below!

I love my Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle. I carry a small purse, so when I am done with the water, I can roll it up and tuck it away. I got this adorable orange color, too!



​​The uniquely portable Nomader® Collapsible Water Bottle makes on-the-go hydration easy and sustainable by taking up minimal bag space and eliminating the need for wasteful single-use bottles. Designed with a flexible BPA-free silicone body, the reusable Nomader® bottle can be rolled up and stashed away when not in use, yet it’s as comfortable to drink from as a hard-sided bottle. This innovative travel water bottle features a patented leakproof cap, an ergonomic carry strap, and a wide mouth for easy cleaning. Additionally, the 22oz capacity (tops off at 25oz) bottle is freezable, heat resistant, and backed by a lifetime warranty.  I think it is a fabulous thing!


Start Journaling


Journaling doesn’t have to be pretty or artistic. You can journal about anything and everything. You could start a bullet journal if you’re short on time, or write entries comprised of just a few sentences. You could even start an art journal where you use paint and mixed media to tell a story, or just have fun. Freewriting is popular, which is where you just write whatever comes into your head. Nobody has to read it, and it’s probably better if you don’t read it back (for weeks to months, recommended by experts) so that you don’t think about censoring yourself.

Journaling regularly in any way you see fit can result in more clarity, creativity, productivity, and more.

Picture

Get Into The Meditation Habit


Meditation is a great habit to get into, even if you just do it for 5 minutes each day. Some people even like to link meditation with their journaling practice so they go into it feeling zen! The book ‘Automic Habits’ by James Clear actually states that linking habits you’d like to get into together can make it easier to stick to them. If you already meditate, for example, you could make sure you always journal afterward. If you already journal, make it a habit to meditate for 5 minutes beforehand.

The book also states that you should make each habit you want to get into as pain free as possible to begin with so that you stick to it. If this means meditating for 30 seconds each day for a few weeks then do it, as long as you do it every day. Eventually, you can build your habit to make it even more beneficial.

Make It Your Mission To Do One Creative Thing Each Day


Humans are supposed to create. You may not consider yourself a particularly creative person, but creativity can mean different things to different people. You don’t even have to be good at anything to do it. Write a terrible poem. Paint an ugly picture. It all counts. The result isn't the point. The process is the point!

Find Ways Of Enjoying The Things You Do


There are always going to be things we have to do that we don’t necessarily enjoy, such as washing clothes or doing the dishes. Find ways of enjoying the things you do. Play music you love or listen to podcasts you’ve been meaning to catch up on. Set Netflix up on your phone and catch up on shows while you iron clothes. Set a timer so that you can work intensely for 30 minutes before taking a 10-minute break. Take time to celebrate the small things!  Do what you need to do to make your life easier!  I like to keep my favorite bubbles in the refrigerator so I can enjoy a cold, crisp flute of Prosecco on my front porch or near my favorite place in the garden.  My favorites are listed below:



Mionetto Prestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) Made from 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high-quality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue and stylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach. For stocking stuffers, you should start with Mionetto’s signature mini bottles ($4). The classic ribbon beautifully displayed across the bottle means there’s no need to wrap. You can even customize with notecards displayed around the bottle's neck.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) This deeply luscious sparkling rosè is the result of the soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers a peach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine is known for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets, raspberries, strawberries, and wildflowers – a perfect pairing for your holiday table. Serving this cuvée with a grilled turkey breast or fish (or a variety of fish on the Feast of Seven Fishes) is sure to be a recipe for success.

Mionetto Luxury Cartizze DOCG ($45) This elegant Cartizze boasts luminous golden tones and delicate beads of tiny bubbles. A majestic, multi-faceted bouquet releases seductive impressions of apple and pear alongside notes of citrus and glazed almond. On the palate, it is crisp, well-balanced, and elegant. The perfect gift for anyone special in your life!

See Family And Friends At Least Once A Week


Humans need connection, so this means seeing your friends and family. This can take a little time, so you should probably set a day aside for family and friend bonding. Even going for a quick coffee and a chat counts. You may be busy, but this doesn’t mean you should alienate the people who love you.

Cut Way Back On Internet Usage And Social Media


The internet and social media can be dangerous if used too much. Spending your life scrolling may provide you with short term satisfaction, but it will do nothing for you in the long run. Do you really need to know every detail of that person’s life you haven’t seen for years? Do you even care? Putting a strong focus on yourself is far more beneficial than scrolling. Be mindful of how often you scroll and mindlessly browse and ask yourself what you could be doing instead.

Wear Blue Light Glasses


Blue light glasses can be a big help if you spend a lot of time on a computer for work - and if you spend time using your mobile and watching TV. They can help you to sleep better at night, alleviate headaches, and stop your eyes from drying out.


Author

Make An Effort To Go Outside


Fresh air and vitamin D are important for overall well being and happiness. Go outside for a 10 minute walk on your lunch break and that should be enough to perk you up. People are spending more and more time indoors, and the negative effects should not be ignored.

Work Standing Up


If you work at a computer or desk, consider getting a stand/sit desk so you can alternate between standing and sitting.  By adding a standing mat, you will be even more comfortable
when working at your standing desk. This is so much healthier and will protect your spine and posture in the long run. You should also feel more energetic during the day. There are other options available too, such as desk bikes.

Set An Intention And Keep It In Mind


Whatever you’re doing, whether meditating or using the internet, set an intention and keep it in mind. This will help you to get more out of everything you do. Perhaps your intention when meditating should be to focus on your breathing. Very simple, but effective. When it comes to using the internet, keeping in mind what you’re looking for and then stopping once you’ve found it can mean not getting sucked into the dark depths of the web for hours on end.

Take the Supplements You Need


With the guidance of a medical professional, find the supplements you need to run your body at its highest proficiency. I find that Illuminate Labs is where I want to purchase my supplements and here is why:

Illuminate Labs tests every single batch of finished product against European Union limits (strictest in the world) at a third-party laboratory and publish the test results right on each product page for consumers to see themselves.

Illuminate Lab's method totally solves the safety and transparency issues in the U..S. supplement market. Most people don't even know that when you go to GNC and buy a supplement you have no idea if it's accurately labeled or high in mercury or other toxic contaminants.

Here is what I am using and why:

1) Standardized Ginkgo Biloba Extract: $40 -- Supports focus, information processing & memory


2) Standardized Panax Ginseng Extract: $40 -- Supports energy, cognitive function & mood


3) Standardized Ceylon Cinnamon Extract: $40 -- Supports blood sugar & cholesterol normalization

I started my regiment in January so I am about two weeks in. I am feeling the impact of the Panax Ginseng on my memory and the same with the Ginkgo Biloba.  I have an appointment with my family practitioner in two weeks and am doing bloodwork. I'll report those findings here.


Would you like to comment?

  1. These are so many good tips for optimizing my day and living my best life. I do not meditate or journal but this could be so relaxing and add to my creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What great ideas. And I do carry a book wherever I go, basically. I always have one in the car. If I have to wait, I will start to read!

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are all great tips! I would ass make your bed. It just makes me feel like I have my life together!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree! That's part of my Miracle Morning routine!

      Delete
  4. These are excellent tips. I'm a big fan of doing whatever I can to improve my life. Small adjustments are usually the best.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I need to work on seeing my family once a week or at least every few weeks.

    I am not a morning person and likely never will be. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. My daughter started doing stretches in the morning and they have made her feel a lot better!

    ReplyDelete
  7. nice list! well done. i would love to journal more but sadly my disability means i can't do much handwriting. so sad. but i do love to keep my ipad on my person so i can always read while out and about. joy

    ReplyDelete
  8. I started carrying a water bottle with me several years ago and it really is a great habit for me now. Great lit.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I did some meditation few years ago, and I enjoyed it. I might have to get back into it more and continue it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I need to start doing a lot more of these things, particularly drinking more water and using a standing desk.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I need to start taking vitamins, for sure. One thing I started doing this year (that I used to do) is carry a water bottle with me at all times! My hubs bought me a 28 ounce sports water bottle for my stocking and I've been drinking 5+ of those fully daily, it is a total mind and energy boost!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so proud of you! If you need a good water bottle for travel, check out the one I mention in the blog. I love that it folds up into a flat bottle. Takes up so little space!

      Delete
  12. Chris T. Hoov11:38 PM

    Nice blog, I've enjoyed reading it, thanks for the recommendation of multivitamins, it sounds like a great one.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Chef Dennis1:56 AM

    This could really make a big difference in your day to day life. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips especially that Multivitamins. I'm going to check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I always try to get up at the same time, every day, and that really helps me

    ReplyDelete
  15. Journaling is always my favorite way to relieve my stress

    ReplyDelete
  16. As you own the Collapsible Water Bottle yourself, how is your experience in washing it? Especially when you're rolling it up often, doesn't it get "dirty" inside those cracks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since all I put in it is water, it does not get dirty in the cracks. While the bottle is full, of course, there are no cracks and most of the time there is water in it. Great question!

      Delete
  17. This will more likely transform you to a much better person. I can imagine more productivity and creativeness. This is an interesting list

    ReplyDelete
  18. You are damn right! I carry a water-bottle and a book with me everywhere I go and these make my stay so much easier.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I absolutely love these tips. Routine is everything to me. Without it I would be so lost and under so much stress. Thanks for sharing your insides.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I always carry a book whenever I head out. It is an effective use of time and I am suprised that how much I can read during the commute.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Those are all great suggestions! I currently go to bed and wake up around the same time even on the weekends. I also drink water all day, have to here in Phoenix! haha. There are more on those list that I do, and some I can start doing. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think these are all great ideas. I agree with many of them as well. I've always heard how exercising in the morning is so much better too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wonderful tips! My best tip is to spend some time with nature! Relax in the back yard surrounded by plants and song birds!

    ReplyDelete
  24. These are great tips. I have blue blocking reading glasses in my Amazon cart, and I'm going to go ahead and submit that order.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I need to work on so many of these. I am getting better at some so little steps. This is a great list!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Mama Maggie's Kitchen2:20 AM

    I need to start doing few of these. I am thinking of making a difference on my daily routine. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Working on my nightime and morning schedule. Also i am mediating more and more!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Eileen M Loya9:07 AM

    These are all great tips and they are all doable. I think I will start with getting myself eyeglasses that would filter out blue light. I spend hours on end staring at the computer screen and I need to do something to protect my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would love to make this adjustments and really change my daily routine. I guess I just have to start somewhere about waking up early in the morning.

    I just started with my gratitude journal and it's just amazing. I am able to focus on the good things that come my way.

    ReplyDelete

Welcome! If you liked what you read, please take a moment to share by tweeting, pinning or yumming! Much appreciated!