Latest news with #routine
Fast Company
18 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Fast Company
3 tips for getting more satisfaction out of your routine
BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 5:17 Get up. Start work. End work. Eat dinner. Get a few things done. Sleep. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes it can feel like weeks, months, or even years, fly by without feeling like much has happened. As a time management coach, I help clients make many tasks in life automatic so that they can accomplish more in less time and with less effort. To optimize our efficiency and effectiveness, routine is a necessary part of our lives. The only issue is when you're so systematized that you're not fully experiencing the joy and meaning in your life. You're just checking things off the list. But what if there could be some simple, accessible ways to slow down the passage of time and fully engage in your life? I'm here to offer you good news: There are. With these three simple tricks, you can start to feel like you're experiencing your days instead of speeding through them. Savor the Little Things Life's simple, everyday moments can be incredibly satisfying, if you let them. But so often, we're rushing through an activity or multitasking through it so much so that it simply passes us by. Researchers encourage mindful attention where you take notice of what's happening in familiar experiences to sensitize yourself to the joy they offer. I've found that some small, intentional choices can make a big difference in my life. One ritual that I've incorporated when the weather is nice is to sit outside during lunch and eat without doing anything else in particular. This little break to just stop and notice the grass, the trees, the flowers, the birds, and anything else around me helps me to fully experience the beauty of the season. Another choice that I've made is when I hold my daughter at night before bed to keep my phone away from me. It's not a very long time—just about 10 minutes—before I lay her down in her crib for the night. Although the time is short, I find it's some of the moments that I stop and appreciate the gift of her precious life the most. She's growing so quickly, and I don't want to miss out on enjoying my daughter because I'm doing something else while I'm with her or always trying to head on to the next activity. How about you? Is there an area where you could stop multitasking and more fully enjoy the precious moments around you? Sprinkle in Novelty Another way to extend the feeling of time is to sprinkle in dashes of the out-of-the-ordinary that break up your routine. When you're only doing your habits, your brain blends together the experiences from day-to-day. But when you do something distinctive, you experience the novelty effect where your brain has a higher state of attention and stores the experience as a separate and distinct memory. This could look like signing up to attend larger events like going to a new work conference or taking a vacation to explore a different locale. Or you can add in novelty in much smaller ways throughout your weeks to help you feel like life isn't passing by in a blur. On the professional side, small moments of novelty could look like adding in some networking lunches or events where you connect with new people and see new places. Or it could look like learning a new skill that you haven't tried your hand at before. Or it could look like setting up your computer at a new coworking space or coffee shop. On the personal side, you could attend a local festival instead of watching Netflix, check out a new restaurant in town instead of going to the place where you're a regular, or try out a new workout class instead of going to the one you've attended for years. It's completely fine—and even good—to have routines and do standard things you enjoy. But mixing up your experience every once in a while can help you slow down your subjective experience of time. Is there some novel experience you could insert in your life this week? Stop Trying to Keep Up In a time not so long ago or far away, there were no smartphones, no apps, and no streaming services. And life was well, good. Another way to slow down time is to take away the pressure that just because you could do something that you should. Just because someone you follow posted something doesn't mean you need to read it. Just because some major world event is happening doesn't mean you need to be an expert on it. Just because a new season of a show came out that you like doesn't mean you need to watch it now—or ever. Most of the content created in the world is entirely optional for you to read or consume. Letting go of the need to engage 24/7 can dramatically increase your feeling of being relaxed and like you have more time. In my personal life, I've placed boundaries on social media use. I don't even have accounts on some social media apps, and for the ones where I do engage, I try to limit myself to a few times a week. When I get the itch to engage more often, I try to pick up a book instead. It's a lot more satisfying to get through a relevant book than to scroll endlessly through a feed. Do you pressure yourself to keep up on content where you don't have an actual responsibility to engage? If so, how could you lower your standards to open up more time and space to just be? A lot of life is routine. That's not a bad thing. But by trying out these strategies, you can slow down your perception of time and experience deeper satisfaction in the moments. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is tonight, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the author of Divine Time Management and How to Invest Your Time Like Money and a time management coach. Check out her website for more information. More
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
5 Easy Ways to Make Household Cleaning Feel Less Like a Chore
Believe it or not, there are ways to make mundane chores feel glamorous. It's safe to say, not many people look forward to completing household chores, especially at the end of a long day or week. Unless you find scrubbing, sweeping, sorting, and folding relaxing, you likely could use some motivation to tackle these tasks. Imagine if your weeknight decluttering session could feel less like a dreaded chore and more like an act of self-care that boosts your mood and makes your space look better. Romanticizing your chore routine doesn't mean you need to pretend you're passionate about cleaning or tidying up. It simply involves finding small ways to infuse mundane tasks with a sense of enjoyment. It also sends a message to yourself that you deserve to find joy in these daily activities. Related: 6 Simple Ways to Make Everyday Chores Feel Better Using Chore Decor How to Romanticize Your Weekly Chore Routine Try one of these simple ways to elevate your cleaning routine. After using these tips consistently, hopefully, your household chores will become less daunting and more relaxing. 1. Listen to Music or an Audiobook Music can easily transform your energy and mood, so use it as motivation to accomplish your to-do list. Before you grab the mop or start folding that pile of clean laundry, put on a playlist that matches the atmosphere you want to create. Try jazz to make your kitchen feel like a café or throwback tunes from when you were younger to give you energy to tackle cleaning the bathroom. If you want to be distracted from chores, consider listening to an audiobook that transports you to another time or place while you wash the windows. Whichever you prefer, have it ready before embarking on your chores. 2. Set the Scene with Scent Lighting a candle may not help you clean the bathroom faster, but it can certainly make the experience more enjoyable. If you prefer diffusers, consider filling yours with essential oils designed to energize and motivate, such as lemon, peppermint, or eucalyptus. While it has a calming effect, infusing your space with lavender may be a good idea while performing your nightly cleaning routine, as it can signal you to wind down. 3. Dress Up for the Occasion This tip might sound odd, but there's something to be said about being more productive after putting on something that is both comfy and cute. This is a personal choice—your perfect chore outfit could be a sundress, matching workout set, or even a pair of clean pajamas. Some people say wearing shoes makes them feel more productive when doing things around the house. If you're curious to try it but don't like wearing shoes inside, consider designating a pair of shoes or hard-soled slippers to wear only inside the house. 4. Use Fun and Functional Tools It's hard to feel glamorous while using a plastic toilet brush. But, swapping it with a bamboo-handled brush stored in a sleek ceramic holder might entice you to clean the bowl more often. This isn't to say you should replace all of your cleaning tools now, but it's something to consider over time. Remember that small changes, like pouring your DIY cleaning solutions into glass spray bottles or dusting items with an old-fashioned feather duster, can make a big difference in your cleaning experience. Splurging on a set of rainbow-colored microfiber cloths instead of using paper towels not only makes cleaning feel more whimsical, but it's better for both the environment and your budget. 5. Reward Yourself While you're doing something nice for your home, you can also treat yourself. Rewarding yourself for completing a chore could involve sipping an iced latte while reorganizing your closet or cleaning for 20 minutes, then allowing a 5-minute social media scroll. You can also connect specific rewards with certain tasks, like calling your best friend to chat while switching over the sheets or enjoying a piece of chocolate while meal prepping for the week. The goal is to train your brain to anticipate these rituals, not because the chores are inherently fun, but because they are paired with something you love. Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Caring for your skin this summer
Kitchener Watch Does your summer skincare routine need a shakeup? Nurse Grace shares her top picks.
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
10-year-old basketball prodigy authors book to inspire youth
Amarion Henry (right) reads parts of his book, 'Amarion's Routine for Success', to friends at RISE Sports Complex. Amarion Henry's passion is basketball. His young life is focused on becoming an NBA icon, and to do that, he follows a strict daily routine that he's outlined in his book called Amarion's Routine for Success. 'It's for kids,' he says. 'So they can have the proper routines and good habits and do whatever sport they want, just so they can have the right foundation, and make sure you always have a routine if you are going to start a sport, so you already know what you're going to do every single day. 'It's working for me, and it's been working for me for the past three years.' The 10-year-old has put in 4,000 hours honing his craft, and he's done that by going to the gym every day since he was 7. Arnold Henry, Amarion's dad, produced a video of his son's regimen and posted it on social media, where it has received more than six million views. 'Some people liked it, and they said it was inspiring,' said Amarion. 'So, one day, my dad was like, 'How about we make this into a book?' And then we made it into a book, and yeah, I think it really inspired people and younger kids to have proper habits and good routines.' Arnold grew up in St. Lucia and was the first basketball player from his country to play Division 1 NCAA basketball as a freshman. He received a full scholarship from the University of Vermont. He wrote a book about his basketball journey and also penned three children's books. He used his experience to teach Amarion how to write his own book. 'I'm extremely proud of my son,' he said. 'Everything that he has accomplished so far, it's all earned, right? He understands order: for you to go far in life, you have to put in the work yourself … in order for you to accomplish your dreams, you have to put in the work.' The father and son duo spend countless hours at RISE Sports Complex in northeast Calgary. Arnold says his son is not only passionate about basketball but also about helping others succeed. 'I told him, 'You could become a really good basketball player, but you can also inspire kids around the world without even meeting them,'' he said. 'Once the kids read the book, I'm pretty sure that they'll be really inspired to work even harder.' Kelvin Dela Pena is the founder and CEO of RISE Sports Complex, which has close to 1,000 members and focuses on strength and conditioning for basketball players. He says Amarion is a special athlete. 'I've never seen a young U10 talent like that, just to be so in love with the game,' he said. 'He has this sense of urgency that not many adults even have; the book itself is one of those tools to just kind of propel his career.' Dela Pena says every time Amarion walks into the gym, players of all ages know who he is, and says the youngster likely doesn't know he's inspiring the next generation of basketball players. 'A lot of people might look at it as, like, 'Oh, he's too young,'' he said. 'But when you've got a 10-year-old who has a sense of urgency and knows what he wants at such a young age while adults are sitting around and don't know what they want to do, it's something truly special.' Early in 2025, Amarion made the news after he and his father drove 22 hours to San Francisco to watch a Warriors NBA game with a goal of seeing star player Stephen Curry. Curry didn't play, and when he learned of the family's heartbreak, he flew Amarion and his dad to Toronto, all expenses paid, to watch him play. Amarion says he may write another book in a few years, but for now is focused on his basketball career. 'Just watching all the NBA greats and the legends, and I'm like, 'One day, I want to be like them and be an icon known by the whole world,'' he said. The book is available here.
Vogue
17-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
What Is the Ideal Skincare Routine for Men?
These days, try researching a standard skin-care routine for men, and you'll be met with elaborate—not to mention daunting—20-step processes. As someone who has always been extremely lazy with skincare, I always wonder when met with such laborious proposals: Do we really need to be doing all of that? Surely, an effective regimen needn't be so complicated! To test the theory, though, Vogue reached out to two leading dermatologists for their expert opinions. Here, Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Noah Gratch, to weigh in with their ideal men's skincare routine—including the essential steps you simply can't skip. Unsurprisingly, both of their essential skincare tips were in sync, both doubling down on the importance of daily cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing SPF. Below, the ideal five-step skincare routine for men, according to dermatologists. Vogue's Favorite Skincare for Men In This Story Step One: Cleanser Both dermatologists agree that cleansing the skin is an essential first step of any daily skin-care routine. To start, 'use a cleanser twice a day to help remove excess oil, dirt, and pollution that can cause acne and skin irritation,' says Dr. Camp. What type of face wash you use, meanwhile, will depend on your skin type. Dr. Gratch's general rule of thumb is to 'choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won't strip your skin of essential oils.' For those who lean towards dry skin, Dr. Camp even suggests cleansing only once a day, or using water only as a cleanser. Ensuring all impurities before moving onto the next step is key, in order to properly set the stage for new products to adequately absorb into skin. Step Two: Exfoliate (Only Sometimes!) While exfoliating is not recommended every single day, dermatologists do suggest doing regularly. 'I recommend exfoliating at least two or three times per week, as it removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and can help prevent ingrown hairs,' Dr. Gratch explains. 'This is ideal for men who shave regularly.' Product-wise, he recommends looking for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid known to resurface and rejuvenate the skin with ease. Paula's Choice's 2% BHA toner is known to reduce blackheads and unclog pores; but those more interested in a single-use toner pad will appreciate the Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel—packed with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to improve radiance and overall skin feel. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads $65 AMAZON Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel $92 AMAZON Step Three: Serum After cleansing and exfoliating, dermatologists recommend prepping skin with serum. 'Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, or dark spots,' says Dr. Gratch. A great universal serum? Vitamin C, which 'brightens and protects against environmental stressors.' Dr. Camp also cites its benefits, explaining that the antioxidant-rich ingredient has the ability to 'neutralize the free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins,' he says. 'Used on a regular basis, they can also help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots. Products with vitamin C or retinol are effective for encouraging collagen production and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.' Whereas, those with oily or breakout-prone skin types might appreciate a niacinamide serum—a great anti-aging option to minimize pore size, reduce inflammation, and regulate sebum production. Step Four: Moisturizer Perhaps the most universally-known skin-care step, moisturizing is a necessary step to keep the skin hydrated and plump. 'After applying a serum or treatment, apply a moisturizer to lock in the active ingredients,' Dr. Camp instructs. 'Even if not using a serum, apply a face moisturizer to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and improve the skin's ability to remain hydrated.' Even if one has oily skin, dermatologists agree that moisturizing is key—just look for ingredients that are tailored to your needs. 'Men with oily skin should still use moisturizer, but it's best to use a lightweight, oil-free option,' Dr. Gratch adds, citing his endorsement of non-comedogenic formulas. 'I recommend moisturizing daily, morning and night. It keeps the skin barrier healthy, prevents dryness, and can help reduce signs of aging.' Certainly, feel free to use any of these as a night cream, too. Step Five: SPF Lastly, both dermatologists advise to end your routine with an SPF. Remember: sunscreen daily is a must—not just for when you are directly in the sun or on vacation. Now its just about what type of SPF you opt for to shield against those damaging UV rays. Aside from traditional sunscreen offerings, you can even find many moisturizers with SPF options on the market, meaning you can combine steps four and five if you prefer to streamline stpes. 'Include a daily SPF-infused moisturizer to your skin-care routine, and use it year-round,' says Dr. Camp. 'An SPF moisturizer may help prevent skin cancer, and it can lessen the impact of UV radiation on premature aging. This includes reducing the likelihood of developing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.' Dr. Gratch agrees, and suggests using at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. 'This is non-negotiable! Sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage, prevents premature aging, and reduces skin cancer risk,' he says. What is the ideal men's skincare routine? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron While the above regimens are pretty foolproof, there are specific considerations that one should take into account, however. For one, knowing your skin type is essential, as whether you have sensitive, combination, oily, or dry skin will help determine which products and ingredients you use. 'For example, someone with oily or acne-prone skin may want to stick with oil-free or water-based moisturizers; while, someone with dry, sensitive skin may want to avoid potentially aggravating ingredients like fragrances or dyes,' says Dr. Camp. The derms also agree this skin-care routine is a starting point—meaning, you can certainly build upon it. 'Once you have your basics locked in (think: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen), then you can start adding serums, exfoliants, and toners,' Dr. Gratch explains. One could even add in an eye cream for dark circles, pimple patches to combat rogue blemishes, or beauty tools like LED face masks; though, he always recommends that simpler is better. 'As a dermatologist, I often remind my male patients that skincare does not have to be complicated. A solid routine is efficient, effective and includes quality ingredients.' Meet the Experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He is based in New York. Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
