Enjoying a cup of coffee (or two) is one of my daily rituals.
I’m a creature of habit. I find comfort in having a routine and doing some of the same things every day. I also love having something to look forward to, whether it’s that first cup of coffee in the morning or relaxing after work with Netflix.
Inspired by this Quora question, I thought I’d share my own daily rituals.
Morning
I wake up between four and four-thirty. Even on the weekend. I sleep later if I’m sick or sleep deprived for more than a day. Although I don’t necessarily think getting up and going to bed earlier is better. Being an early bird or a night owl each has its pros and cons.
I (groggily) make coffee. This is the very first thing I do. It wakes me up, and I love how my apartment smells.
I brush my teeth. I’m one of those people who has to brush their teeth before breakfast.
I get back into bed and look at my phone for 5 or 10 minutes. The light from the screen helps me wake up more, and I catch up on the news and messages from night owl friends.
I have my coffee, eat breakfast, and read whatever book I happen to be reading. Breakfast is bread with peanut butter and jam or Nutella or some kind of pastry.
I work on my novel. My minimum is 250 words, either new or extensively revised, during the week, and 500 on the weekends.
I go to the gym. I work out four or five days a week, either running 3 to 5 miles or hitting the elliptical for 40 minutes, followed by strength-building exercises like plank, squats, or free weights; ab work; and stretching. When the weather’s nice, I like to run in Central Park.
I have my second breakfast. This is usually an egg, veggies, and coffee or chai tea.
I do some freelance work. Namely setting up tweets.
After that it depends on if it’s a work day or the weekend, and if it’s a work day, whether it’s an in-the-office or work-from-home day.
Evening
I eat dinner between 5:30 (yup) and 7:30, depending on if I have to go into the office or have plans.
I watch my stories. Usually a short sitcom or two, followed by a longer drama or action show.
I watch something soothing. This is probably not a great habit, but I need to watch something calming before I go to sleep. This means a nonviolent anime or a British cozy mystery like Midsomer Murders. For some reason I find the Japanese language and British accents very relaxing.
I (try) to stop looking at my phone.
I stop answering texts and calls around 8. This is when my phone automatically goes on Do Not Disturb. The only calls that get through are from my parents and brother.
I go to sleep between eight and nine. Yes, like I’m seven.
I know there’s probably room for change and improvement, like incorporating meditation or more social activities, although I do enjoy my rituals the way they are now.
What are your daily rituals?