Some people wake up at 5 a.m. to exercise, meditate and journal. They attempt to optimize every moment to create the most productive day possible. If this works for you, great. But it isn’t for everyone.
As a neuroscientist, I don’t follow a strict daily routine. Trying to shove your real life into a rigid structure can create unnecessary stress and undermine what you are trying to achieve.
Instead, I focus on a few key categories to make sure my brain gets what it needs to perform at its best, without burning out. Here’s how.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to make a positive impact on your brain. Most mornings, I do about a minute and half of yoga and 20 pushups before breakfast. When I need a break from work, I take a 10 minute walk.
I also count tasks like cleaning the kitchen, carrying groceries or taking the stairs as helpful movement. It might seem trivial, but research shows that simply appreciating the physical activity you’re already doing can improve health and happiness.
