Richal Miller Living in the US is like a never-ending sprint where we are always working to fit more things in a limited amount of time, and most often, our own peace becomes the lowest priority. After many years of pressing that snooze button and getting the rush to work during the morning hours, I finally decided to give a month of new intentional scheduling an experiment. It was, in fact, an amazing experience that changed the way I look at how tiny, steady changes can have a great impact on our happiness.
Last First Time Alarm Setting
Just a little earlier by only 20 minutes made me almost very frightened to the point where I was imagining many obstacles, but this time it was a different walk in the park. Having that extra piece of time when everything is still so silent before the awakening of the neighborhood might have led to a mental calm.
Forgetting The Morning Scroll
The first hour of the day, starting with a phone being left on the side table of the bed, was quite a big change. Most of the time, people who stand behind the idea of lessening detective stimulation suggest that right after waking up is the best time to keep away from digital devices so that you can lower the levels of your cortisol.
Start the day with natural light.
Going out the door and onto the porch to watch the sunrise has been a new habit for me. Getting sun exposure first thing in the morning is something that some of the scientists who are studying human beings think helps a person to get the required signals for the internal systems that control the daily cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes.
Hydration Before Caffeine
Replacing the morning coffee with a large glass of water seemed odd at first. This new habit can be a nice way to gradually stimulate the digestive system without the jolting effect of a stimulant.
No More Desktop Dining
Having lunch in a completely different setting, without a computer screen, changed my whole perception of the meal. This mindful eating technique might, in fact, result in the optimization of the digestion process and the increased feeling of the meal’s pulling satisfaction.
Finding Joy in Paper
Jotting down a couple of things on a real notepad felt almost more refreshing than an app. Some individuals, in fact, report that physical planning can be a great way to arrange one’s thoughts.
Evening Tech Boundaries
I found it challenging but enjoyable to keep the TV off for an hour before sleeping. Sleep experts often refer to less blue light exposure as one way of getting better sleep.
The Cooling Bedroom Secret
It was unmistakably a great idea to turn the AC down a couple of degrees before going to sleep. It is a generally held belief that the drop in temperature of the room is likely to be a key factor in one falling asleep more rapidly.
The Sound Of Silence
Standing still in silence without the slightest trace of music or podcasts was something that most people desire to do but rarely can. A brain that is free to roam without any form of input from the outside might very well lead to a situation where an individual is able to come up with new and creative ideas.
Consistency Over Perfection
Realizing that it was perfectly fine to not completely stick to a plan all the time was indeed the greatest takeaway. It might very well be that tolerating change in the course of a program is just as important as the discipline itself for achieving success.
The Final Monthly Reflection
After thirty days, the impact of these minor changes, when looked at overall, appeared to be quite large. In fact, it points to the idea that our daily activities really could be the root of our individual happiness.
