A Day in The Life: Typical Monday

What is a typical Monday for Johanna?

My Mornings
So I always wake up to an alarm. After a festive weekend and getting up late, alarms will save my life! I usually set my alarm days in advance so that I don’t forget. I set all of my alarms 15 minutes before I actually need to get up because when the alarm rings, I stay in bed to go through my phone for any missed calls or texts. I also check my emails and go through all of my social media accounts. While all of this is happening, I’m thinking about what I am going to wear and checking the weather. I also run through my calendar to make sure there are no important meetings that I have to dress up for that day.

After that 15-minute grace period, I finally get up. As I’m moving, I begin to show gratitude. I know some people say actual prayers (which I want to start doing more often) but right now I just keep it short. “Thank you for getting me up; thank you for this comfy bed; thank you for the locked doors and for protection.” While walking towards the bathroom to run the shower water, (because I love the water warm) I look in the mirror and continue expressing gratitude for running water and beautiful skin. I know this sounds really cocky when reading it aloud, but this is all forms of affirmation that I like to try to do every morning and throughout the day. I think it’s very important to believe in yourself and say things that make you feel confident! Music also helps me start my day. Good vibes put my day off to a good start.

After the music and warm shower karaoke session, I do my usual face routine which includes showing some love and care to my skin. I always moisturize and say kind things to it. Here are some of my favorite skin care products:

1. I love the entire Snail Solution skin care line from Nature Republic. As I mentioned in previous posts. They have other skin care lines and products that are also great. I highly recommened this store to anyone who is into the more natural products. I live by it. Here is the link to the cream that I must use everyday. https://www.naturerepublicusa.com/products/snail-solution-creamcr
2. I just recently added to my daily routine, all natural almond oil. It does miraculous things. Within only a few weeks of using it I noticed a drastic change in my skin. 

Work
Now it's Monday so most likely I’m going to work. I get dressed quickly, as my wardrobe is limited in my office (corporate world life). As I am getting ready, I make a mental to-do list for the day. I write the actual list during my commute to work in the city. I also use the ride to complete any calls, emails, or texts.

When I actually get to work, I'm in work mode for 8 hours until it’s time for a mental break. Don't overwork! My day consists of meetings and calls, and I eat lunch whenever my schedule permits. I try to eat no later than 3:30. When it's 5:30/6, my work day finally ends and I head home and do the same thing all over again on the way home-- going through my lists and taking the steps to get stuff done because every second counts. Here 4 ways that keep me focused at work:

1.  Schedule distractions: Distractions are not all bad, but you need to make them work for you. Use them as reward for a solid chunk of work. Start out with distractions that are good for you, such as working out or calling your friends. If Facebook and Twitter are your thing, block off time in your schedule to post or browse other people's updates, but stick to your schedule. Remember, you control the distractions.
2. Work in 60-90-minute blocks: As we work, our alertness drops off, increasing the lure of distractions. Set a timer and take a break at the end of each cycle. Reset your focus by listening to music for a few minutes, taking a short walk, or going for lunch. 
3. Bring in the snacks. Like having water close by, the food that could settle a grumbling stomach must always be at hand. For the same reason of having 90% of your attention at work, eating within your workspace area will not expose you to unrelated activities. So make sure your snacks are within arms reach too!
4. Set deadlines: If you feel no pressure to complete a task, you’ll likely procrastinate on it twice as much. Set clear deadlines for all the tasks in your to-do list. By doing so, you create a sense of urgency, making it easier to achieve the state of flow and truly focus on an important task. Moreover, having set deadlines helps to battle your inner perfectionist. It’s good to work on a task until it’s great but avoid getting stuck on details.
5. Create an hourly work plan: Try scheduling all your today’s tasks hour by hour. There are multiple benefits to this kind of enhanced planning

• You know exactly what needs to be done by the end of the day
• You set realistic expectations to your day as you predict how much time it takes to complete each task
• You know what to do next after finishing one task
• You can prioritize your tasks and plan the ones requiring higher energy levels for the morning hours

Evenings
When I get home on a Monday, I usually try to relax, but I often find myself either cleaning my house from the weekend, going to the gym now that it's 24 hours, or chilling with my friends.

Check out one of my killer workout routines below  http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/abs/exercises/top-10-abs-exercises/

I enjoy this time because it makes life seem like it's more fun and helps me get away from responsibilities and to-do lists. It’s great to be prepared and organized, but don't forget to live every day like it’s your last!