Boost Your Productivity and Wellbeing With a Simple Start-Up and Shut-Down Routine
Establishing a simple start-up and shut-down routine is one of the most straightforward and least time-consuming habits you can adopt to boost your productivity and wellbeing. These high-impact routines signal the start and end of your workday, providing a structured framework for checking in with your wellbeing and professional commitments.
Why Start-Up and Shut-Down Routines are Beneficial
Start-up and shut-down routines are high-impact, wellbeing-driven productivity strategies requiring minimal time (less than 30 minutes daily). They help establish boundaries between work and personal time, preventing the lines from blurring. These routines set a positive tone for the day and provide a sense of closure at the end. They also serve as daily reminders of your priorities, keep you organised, and encourage a proactive approach to your tasks.
Planning Your Start-Up and Shut-Down Routines
Start With Your Working Week
You can use a start-up and shut-down routine every day of the week, but I recommend focusing on your working days. You might prefer to keep your days off more fluid for relaxation.
Designate specific times for your start-up and shut-down routines. If you work at a desk, begin your routine as soon as you arrive. Schedule a 15-minute slot in your calendar for both activities (a recurring appointment with yourself). While 15 minutes is a guideline, adjust the time to suit your needs – even 5 minutes can be effective.
Define Your Goals
Next, decide what you want to achieve with each routine. If you aren’t sure, I suggest your start-up routine could be about organising your day and energising yourself. Your shut-down routine could be reflecting on the day, planning for tomorrow, expressing gratitude, and engaging in a calming activity.
Designing Your Start-Up and Shut-Down Routines
It’s time to design your personal routines. Use the examples below as a starting point.
Example Start-Up Routine
Review Your Calendar and Task List: Time block your day and ensure breaks are planned.
Set an Intention: Write down your daily intention or identify your most important task in your journal.
Energise Yourself: Perform a quick energising activity like a breathwork exercise.
Example Shut-Down Routine
Reflect on Your Day: Journal about what went well, what could be improved, and what you’re grateful for.
Plan for Tomorrow: Review and adjust your schedule for the next day (remember to factor in breaks).
Review Your Task List: Ensure tomorrow’s tasks are realistic and timeblocked.
Relax: Engage in a calming activity like meditation.
Create a Checklist
Once you’ve decided what to include in your start-up and shut-down routines, create a checklist. Place it where it makes the most sense for you, such as in your task manager, calendar entry, journal, or note-taking tool.
Make It a Habit
Consistency is critical to making your routines a habit. Follow them regularly until they become second nature. If you struggle to stick with it, try habit stacking – attaching your new routine to an existing habit. For instance, if you make coffee before starting work, let that trigger your start-up routine. Remember, your routines don’t have to be desk-based; you can perform the administrative elements on your mobile device during a commute.
Conclusion
Establishing simple start-up and shut-down routines can significantly boost your productivity and wellbeing. You can stay organised, focused, and positive by setting clear boundaries and structuring your day. Start small, be consistent, and watch as these small habits make a big difference in your daily life.
