Getting into a good groove

Habits that can reduce stress, boost energy

We all have little daily routines that help keep us sane.

Whether it’s a cup of coffee as soon as we’re out of bed, a walk during lunch or a few minutes of deep breathing at our desks during a hectic day, we all need our habits to keep us from feeling anxious and irritable.

Everything you do in a day takes up mental space and energy. Hopefully, your habits exist to cut down on the amount of stress and anxiety in your world. The way you structure your routine is incredibly important in that effort.

These are five habits I’ve incorporated to get the most out of my workdays that might help others as well:

1. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day

There’s really nothing better than falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day. Your body gets used to it and wants to keep doing it, as with any other routine.

My normal sleep schedule is to be in bed by 10:30 and wake up around 6:30. I say “around” because I don’t use an alarm clock. My routine is so ingrained at this point that I wake up at almost the same time every morning without an alarm.

I try for eight hours of sleep a night, and many times that doesn’t happen. But when I’m able to have a consistent sleep routine, I’ve found it helps prevent stress and sickness.

2. Avoiding red-eye flights

Speaking of stress and a lack of sleep, I don’t take the red eye anymore.

People point out that red-eye flights are often cheaper and less crowded, but any gains are off-set for me because I feel like a zombie for the next two days after landing.

I prefer daytime flights because they give me a chance to catch up on work. There are no meetings or distractions in the air, so I’m able to go through my email and catch up on the reading I haven’t had time to do.

3. Having a short commute

I’ve never had a lengthy commute. For a long time, that meant living in apartments and neighborhoods I wasn’t crazy about. But the trade-off was worth it. Any gripes I had with my square footage, amenities or neighborhood were always balanced by the fact I could walk to work in 15 minutes, rather than spending an hour or more in traffic or on the train.

I realize not everyone has the option of living a few blocks from work, but what’s important here is identifying the things that drive you crazy. Do whatever it takes to avoid them.

4. Leaving my cellphone in my bag before and after work

Not long ago, I realized that my phone was distracting me during family time with my kids. I’d be playing a card game with my daughter, but then I’d hear a buzz and reach for my phone.

To combat that, I’ve started putting my phone in my bag before my kids go to school and leaving it there when I get home in the evening. Once the kids are tucked in, I get it out to check my email, texts and calls.

Purposefully engaging with the people you’re with is one of the most important habits you can cultivate. You also will feel less frazzled and stressed once you stop jumping to check your smartphone every few minutes. Your life is not bound up in your devices.

5. Scanning my email inbox quickly in the morning

I’d be lying if I said I left all my work at the office. The reality is, that’s not an option when running a company.

But I do try to compartmentalize work and family life into periods of time. So, when I get up in the morning, before the kids are awake, I scan through my email to make sure nothing urgent has come up.

I go through the rest of my morning routine with a clear head and a focus on being present with my family.