AGING IS A CHOICE Part 18 – The Power of Routines (#1)
By Robert Manni
No matter how old you are, the power of routines is often overlooked. Maybe it’s because engaging in the same behaviors, practices, and protocols every day could feel boring after a while. Yet there is no better way to gain results than through consistency. When it comes to aging, this means creating personal routines and behaviors that keep you feeling young and vital. After all, to quote Woody Allen, “80 percent of success is showing up” and there is no better time to show up to a healthy routine than in your second half of life. And there is no better time to jumpstart your day and keep you feeling vital than in the morning. And… there is no better way to prepare for your morning routine than the night, or even the day before.
In the next segment I will share with you what goes into my morning routine. Today, here are my tried and true ways you can prepare yourself for the new day by getting started the night, and even the day before.
Cut out caffeine by midday
Over eighty percent of the world’s population suffers from insomnia. At the top of the list of its causes is age. We love our coffee, tea, and energy drinks, but most are loaded with lots of caffeine that can stay in your system for twelve hours. So, it makes sense, the earlier you cease your caffeine intake, the better you’ll sleep. Which brings us to…
Get a good night’s sleep
Studies show the average adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep per night to remain properly rested. Sleep supports a robust immune system, improves focus and concentration, and heals the body. In other words, the more tired you are from lack of sleep, the faster you age. Want to learn how to shut your day down earlier? Here are a few tips to consider…
Try to get to bed by around 10pm
If you want to get your solid 8 hours of sleep and start the day early, you want to hit the sack by 10pm. It certainly does depend on when you want to start in the morning, however if you want to fit in a morning routine, you’ll want to get up earlier than later. If you want some tips on how to fall asleep easier…
Eat a light dinner
Digesting a big meal takes time and no one enjoys rolling around in bed with a belly full of food. If you can eat your main meal earlier in the day and just have a light supper, you will have less trouble falling and staying asleep.
No scrolling in bed
The phone can be our friend, or our nemesis. Too often we find ourselves lying in bed zoning out on social media instead of relaxing our mind. How about engaging in some light breathing exercises instead, or expressing gratitude as we review the day to help you gently drift into slumber?
No surprises here. These are well-known, easy-to-do practices that help you wake up fresh and ready to start your day with an invigorating morning routine. But it’s up to you to show up and do them. After all, aging is a choice, and we can choose to make this our best life.
