Spring break is a welcome departure from the rhythms of school, homework and packing lunches. I find comfort in routines, but monotony sets in and I find that occasionally shaking them up reinvigorates me. In keeping with that spirit, today’s blog post is also a shift from my normal themes. (And if you’re in the mood for levity, check out this old post for a laugh at my expense.)

Seven tips for livin’

We’ve all found ways to aid in getting through the days we live. Today’s compilation of tips is an eclectic assortment of things I’ve found helpful. I’d love to hear yours, too!

1. A light in the closet. Getting up early is hard. Even if you’re a morning person like me, there’s something hostile about the dark in those wee hours. I put a lamp in my closet and set it on a timer to go on 5 minutes before my earliest morning waking hour. Staggering from the bed into the bathroom (which leads to my closet) is easier when the path is lit. My eyes adjust along the way and I feel a bit like someone else is awake to welcome me into my running clothes. Find a place to do this for yourself, as least until the sun is up before us.
2. Use a crayon as a highlighter. I’ve been using the twistable crayons to flag portions of my reading for several years. It doesn’t bleed through the pages, isn’t quite as jarring on the eyes, and — if you’re a mama — you probably already have some in the deep recesses of your cabinets (or car). They’re cheap, last forever and come in a wide variety of colors. Give it a shot!
3. Audiobooks as insomnia companions. Whether stress-induced, child-caused, or simply a product of being middle-aged, most folks I know don’t sleep through the night these days. (It’s good to know you’re not alone, because 3am sure doesn’t feel like a great time to connect with others.) Turning on the lights to read seems to only lengthen the time it takes me to return to sleep. And the blue light from television, electronic readers, phones or tablets is actually worse for sleep than the nightstand lamp. I’ve found my solution in audio books and podcasts to take my mind off my wakefulness. I learn while I’m awake and the passive nature of just listening allows me to drift off when my body and mind permit. The timer function shuts it down at the end of the chapter or podcast.
4. Master the 15 minute gaps in the day. I keep a running list of short, mindless tasks that need to get done but aren’t time-sensitive. When I find I have a few minutes before I need to leave for a meeting or appointment, I knock one of ’em out. Things like dusting blinds, setting up doctor visits, or purging my inbox. None of these is worth dedicated time on my daily calendar, so fitting it into the gaps allows me to prioritize the important items yet still accomplish more of what needs doing.
5. Keep a book in the car. Long days with a full schedule make reading seem like an unaffordable luxury. And I’m often too tired at the end of them to actually get anything out of books when reading before bed. (At least until I wake at 3:17am; see #1!) But reading is imperative to my career as a writer. And to prevent my biggest irrational fear: growing stupid. Similar to #4, by keeping my latest read in the car, I can put those awkward moments waiting for sports practice to end to good use. I jot notes at the end of each chapter to help me capture the gist and retain the message despite such interrupted reading sessions.
6. Change Facebook settings. Turn off all audio notifications to avoid being beckoned back into the cybervoid. Stop receiving notifications completely for all but the most important (to you) activities on FB. I no longer receive any emails and have my notifications set to the most minimal interaction. Even more helpful, delete the application from your smartphone. You’re likely to discover another couple of hours in your every day. By only viewing Facebook on my laptop, I find my decision to engage on social media (necessary for my job) is intentional, not driven by boredom. I’m more “present” with my kids, spouse and friends.
7. Put your desk under a window. Or at least move your laptop near to one. This one is particularly helpful if you’re a creative-type. The visual relief I get from gazing out on God’s workmanship from my window has foiled many “writer’s block” moments. In a day and age when we spend most of our hours indoors and sitting down, this helps me retain a connection to outside and it woos me out of doors in a healthy way. The natural light, and its variances, prompt me to alter my rhythms subconsciously. Also, try to spend some portion of your day standing, if possible, to prevent the ailments that arise from prolonged sitting.

Your turn.

What would you add to this list? What of these have you already implemented or think you’d most benefit from? I’d love to hear from you!