The Power Hour

 

I have always found routine difficult. Somehow it seems so much easier to pick up ‘bad’ habits than ‘good’ ones. However, I recently stumbled across something that I like to call the ‘Power Hour’, that has really made a difference. So much so that I really wanted to share it.

I have not entirely invented this idea. There are other versions of this around, including the ‘Magic Hour’ (https://thebodedit.com/wellbeing/the-magic-hour-productivity-tips/), which aides productivity, and the ‘Miracle Hour’, which divides prayer into 12 five-minute sections (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Hour-method-prayer-change-ebook/dp/B001SERUDM)

Six steps

The Power Hour that I have taken up is more flexible and is basically a set of simple tasks to do first thing in the morning. My tasks are a balance of practical and emotional and are as follows:

  1. Gratitude

    – I write down five things that I am grateful for. As I am writing this in the morning, I write four good things that have happened the previous day followed by one thing I appreciate in the present moment.

  2. Affirmations

    I come up with five positive affirmations which I write down and read out – sometimes aloud, sometimes just to myself.

  3. To-do list

    I write a list of tasks for the day – the top task being the ‘power hour’. At the end of the power hour I have a plan for the day and one item to cross off!

  4. Simple De-Clutter

    This might mean picking one item to go to the bin or charity shop. It might mean sorting out a drawer or cupboard. It might mean deleting 20 emails from my inbox. The important thing is for it to be simple and achievable.

  5. Exercise

    I do ten minutes of simple exercise. This is usually squats and lunges so that I can feel my muscles working first thing. Sometimes it’s ten minutes of dancing round the living room to cheesy music. Sometimes it is mindful movement. I listen to what my body needs that day.

  6. Look after the cat

    My final task is a very practical one. It is to change my cat’s water, top up her food and clean her litter tray. It is a mundane task that is a necessary part of being a cat owner and is also a task that I used to remember as I was on my way out the door. By making it part of my Power Hour, I am less rushed, and Sheema is cared for in a more mindful way.

Create your own power hour

I have been doing this for around six weeks now and I feel more positive and more focused. It is making a huge difference. Of course it is not one size fits all. My routine would not suit everyone. I would suggest picking six tasks that you could carry out in around ten minutes. You could include six of the following:

  • A short meditation
  • Writing a gratitude journal
  • A simple act of self-care such as moisturising
  • Saying some affirmations in front of the mirror
  • Going for a walk round the block
  • Writing your to-do list for the day
  • Sending a text or email to someone that you care about
  • Carefully making your packed lunch for the day
  • Reading a poem or something that you find inspiring.

I would love to know what you decide to put in your Power Hour and whether you find it effective.