Rise and Shine: 6:55 AM

For a long time, I dreaded mornings, but I've grown to appreciate them over the last few years. Since my workload tends to peak in the morning and I'm most alert then, I dive straight into work upon waking, leaving my "morning routine" tasks for later in the day.

Coffee Time: 7:00 AM

This is undoubtedly one of my favorite moments of the day. I take my coffee black, currently enjoying some delightful whole bean coffee from Norstrom (yes, the clothing retailer). They surprisingly have excellent coffee, as my sister used to work there, and she often gifts it to me on special occasions. I typically use a simple drip coffee maker, but I alternate between that and a French press. While my coffee brews, I often engage in the morning section of the 5 Minute Journal or read for a few minutes.

Editing Session: 7:05–9:15 AM

As previously mentioned, I jump right into work in the morning. Otherwise, I tend to get sidetracked and procrastinate, so starting my day with work is effective for me.

I edit documents and materials for English language learners, primarily clients from China, but I also work with individuals from Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and other regions in Asia. Depending on the client's needs, I might address simple errors like spelling and punctuation, or undertake more substantial structural revisions.

I truly love what I do! The ability to communicate through writing is an incredibly valuable skill, and I take great satisfaction in helping my clients enhance their writing, which boosts their confidence and aids them in pursuing ambitious career goals.

Getting Dressed: 9:15–9:25 AM

I enjoy the luxury of working in pajamas for the first couple of hours, but I always make it a point to get dressed in the morning. My routine includes washing my face with Origins Zero Oil cleanser and following a basic skincare regimen of Bliss serum, Sephora eye cream, and Origins moisturizer with SPF. Living in Florida, I usually opt for casual attire, such as a simple dress, shorts, or jeans paired with a basic top.

Morning Walk: 9:30–10 AM

Walking is a vital part of my daily routine. Having worked remotely for nearly a decade, I've always incorporated walking into my day. Getting outside after sitting at the computer feels refreshing and invigorating.

Writing on Medium: 10:00–11:00 AM

On days when I write for Medium, I prefer to tackle this task before lunchtime. My afternoon writing sessions tend to be less productive and require more time to articulate my thoughts. I maintain a list of headline ideas on a Trello board, a method I adopted from Sinem Günel. Previously, coming up with ideas was a significant hurdle, but now I ensure I have at least 15–20 ideas on my Trello board to avoid any creative block.

Quick Headspace Meditation: 11:00–11:05 AM

By 11 AM, I typically need a brief break. I've been utilizing the Headspace app on both my computer and phone, which I find very beneficial. The desktop version offers an "Everyday" meditation that changes daily, lasting about 3–6 minutes—a perfect pick-me-up.

Editing: 11:05 AM–1:00 PM

It's time to return to editing. While I work, I enjoy listening to Pandora, particularly a station featuring soundtracks from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and classical music. I prefer instrumental music when focusing, and soundtracks fit the bill perfectly!

I make sure to have coffee and lemon water on hand to sip throughout my work.

Lunch Break: 1:00–2:00 PM

I like to keep my meals uncomplicated, usually repeating a few standard dishes each week. I enjoy a romaine salad 3–4 days a week, salmon with brown rice twice a week, and leftovers on the remaining days. This approach saves me the mental energy of planning meals.

During lunch, I often watch a TV show, currently enjoying Australian Survivor, and I make sure to take my vitamins.

Learning and Coffee Break: 2:00–2:30 PM

Though I've been editing for nearly five years, I lack formal training in the field. A significant goal for 2020 was to select an editing course and start learning. I believe continual skill development is essential, regardless of your career trajectory.

I aim to complete two lessons from the course each day—progressing steadily without overwhelming myself, as it's self-paced.

Consulting Work: 2:30–3:00 PM

Every year, I like to take on a few projects outside of my editing work, whether freelance writing or consulting gigs. I appreciate the variety and the additional income stream.

Self-employment often leads to fluctuations in income. For me, June to August are typically slow months, but being aware of this allows me to take on more work during busier months to compensate.

Audiobook Walk: 3:00–3:30 PM

In the afternoons, I try to engage in some form of personal growth, which might involve listening to a podcast, reading, or watching educational content. On this particular day, I opted for an audiobook, combining fresh air, exercise, and learning.

Afternoon Editing: 3:30–4:30 PM

I attempt to minimize my editing in the afternoon, as I'm typically less focused compared to the morning or evening. If I feel particularly sluggish, I might take a longer break and resume editing after dinner, from 6–8 or 7–9, when I often experience a surge of energy.

Emails and Planning: 4:30–5:00 PM

You might have noticed that my email time is minimal. Fortunately, I rarely receive urgent emails, so checking my inbox once a day suffices. In previous roles, I spent hours on email, making this change refreshing.

I also like to use the end of my workday for planning and organization tasks that need to be completed.

Learning Chinese Vocabulary: 5:00–5:30 PM

I strive to learn some new vocabulary at least a couple of times each week, although I don't always succeed. I experience cycles of doing well in language learning and periods of stagnation. Currently, I'm in a slump, but I continue to push forward. I've been using a HSK 2 PDF workbook and Memrise for vocabulary enhancement.

Dinner Preparation and Quality Time: 5:30–7:00 PM

I always prepare a weekly menu so we know what to cook each evening. My husband and I share cooking and dishwashing responsibilities, which we enjoy doing together.

Lately, we've been watching "Foyle's War" during dinner. The episodes are lengthy, so we watch half each night. I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it!

Evening Walk: 7:00–8:00 PM

I don’t walk every evening after dinner; it depends on whether I've met my step goal for the day.

YouTube and Internet Browsing: 8:00–9:00 PM

YouTube is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. Instead of indulging throughout the day, I allocate specific time in the evenings for it, allowing me to look forward to this relaxation.

Preparing for Sleep: 9:00–9:10 PM

As 9 PM approaches, I start my bedtime routine. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and fill a glass of water, sometimes lighting a candle to set the mood.

Reading a Novel: 9:10–9:40 PM

This is another cherished moment for me. I adore paperback books, and reading before bed is incredibly relaxing. If you struggle with sleep, I recommend reading for a few minutes. I prefer novels in the evening since they require less cognitive effort.

Journaling: 9:40–10:00 PM

My husband usually comes upstairs around 9:45 to get ready for bed. During this time, I take a few minutes to journal about the highlights of my day and anything noteworthy I want to remember. It's easy to dwell on the negatives, and journaling serves as a wonderful way to document the positives. Some nights, I also complete the evening section of the 5 Minute Journal.

Bedtime: 10:00 PM

I aim to go to bed around 10 PM each night. While this goal isn't always met, I prioritize sleep and am willing to forgo other activities to achieve it.

Additional Insights:

#### 1. Each Day Varies

If you're curious, my days aren’t identical. Some days involve more editing, while others might include additional freelance, consulting, volunteer, or teaching work. I might consider sharing more of these posts to showcase the diversity of my daily experiences.

#### 2. Minimal Meetings

You may have noticed that there were no meetings on this particular day. This is quite typical for me, as I seldom have meetings, providing me with extra time that many lack. If possible, evaluate whether there are meetings you could either eliminate or shorten. Could a quick email or a five-minute call suffice instead? While some meetings are unavoidable, it’s worth contemplating.

#### 3. Energy Management

I try to tackle my most significant tasks in the morning when my focus and energy are at their peak. I recommend monitoring your own energy levels to see if you can adjust your schedule to optimize your time.

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