As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, “Most unproductive or unhealthy behaviors are the result of slow, gradual choices that add up to bad habits.”

To help you build a better routine that works for you, try these productivity-boosting tips.

Start on the right foot
Determine how best to maximize your mornings. If you have the most energy upon waking, schedule high-brainpower tasks early in the day. Or maybe tackle a workout or jot down ideas in a journal so you can prepare yourself for the day with a clear mind.

Set yourself up for success
Are you someone who gets too tired to do the dishes and clean the living room before bed and then regrets it the next day? By taking care of these tasks before you go to sleep, your future self will be able to wake up to a tidy space ready for you to make food or start work. You can also lay out clothing the night before or prep your breakfast or lunch.

Establish working hours
The freedom of being on your own schedule can feel great, especially if you work remotely. But setting up some kind of structure for your work hours will give you boundaries, allowing you ample time for the things you love and helping you avoid burnout.

Stay off the apps
Social media is like a siren song, and it can get even louder and more tempting if you use it as a procrastination tactic. Put your phone in another room or lock it for a set amount of time so you can focus on your work. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a while to create routines. After all, research shows that it takes sixty-six days to make a habit become automatic. Be willing to adjust your strategy until it gels into something healthy and productive.

TAKE ACTION:
Write down the steps of a daily routine that works for you, and keep the list in a place where you can easily access it to hold yourself accountable.