Building Better Habits: Organization & Environment
Here we are: part 3 of my “Building Better Habits” series! We covered social media & tech., exercise, and now: organization & environment.
I am a firm believer that atmosphere plays a huge part in both productivity and rest.
You wouldn’t sit in a hard seat in a bright room to take a nap, and you wouldn’t (shouldn’t) sit in bed in a dark room to study. So, it’s important to create well-organized spaces for different parts of your day! Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve found to be beneficial for different parts of your day:
1.) Study time
Need to get some schoolwork done? Your bed is the worst place that you could be! I know, it’s just soooo cozy…. But that’s just it. Your brain associates the warm comfiness of your bed with sleep! Now does that make sense? Your body will start to feel tired and ready to drift off as soon as you hit those soft blankets. So instead, find a quiet corner, a desk, or table to sit at. It’s fine to switch up where you study now and again, but make sure that it is well-lit, calm, and free of distractions. Organize your notes well so that they’re easy to find and understand, and have your space set up well too!
2.) Rest time
Time to relax? Now you can find a warm, dimly lit space to sit. Maybe a comfy papasan chair or bean bag, a good book, and a warm drink. Create an atmosphere that is conducive to rest. If you’re looking to create a peaceful atmosphere, you don’t want blinding bright lights, harsh music, or a busy space. Create a safe haven to cozy up in! My favorite way to make a room more comfortable is to add warm lighting, such as Christmas lights or sunset lamps!
3.) Workout time
Not to call you out, but I know you’ve totally done workout videos on your bedroom floor… Likely the “no-jumping” or “apartment-friendly” versions so that you don’t get embarrassed about it. Been there, done that. And, all of that may have been a good start to our habits of working out… But now it’s time to level up a bit. No more “100 crunches a day abs challenges” on the scratchy carpet in your room. Let’s get some cute workout sets, find a clean space to lay out a cute yoga mat, and put on some upbeat music. Or, if you’re able, hit the gym! Being with other people who are also working out can be such an inspiration to push yourself harder.
4.) Eating time
Eating in front of the TV can be a fun luxury, but it shouldn’t be the norm. Sitting at the table and having meaningful conversations with your loved ones is a much better way to spend your mealtime, and it will also help you eat slower and not accidentally overeat. Or even if you’re alone, try to focus solely on your food. In this instance, the environment you place yourself in can help you to foster a mindset of mindful eating. Don’t set yourself up for bloat and discomfort because you don’t even realize how much or how fast you’re eating. Sit down somewhere where you are able to focus on your food and actually enjoy it! Taste it, experience it. I promise it’s so worth it.
Now, these are just a couple of examples, but I think you get the gist! No matter what it is that you’re doing, setting up the proper atmosphere and environment can seriously change how you feel and act.
