Productivity Tip:

Try a Cognitive Warm-Up Before Deep Work

Ever tried jumping straight into a workout cold? You probably didn’t perform your best (and possibly even got injured). Well, turns out your brain isn’t that different from your muscles: it works better after a little warm-up.

Research shows that preparatory activities can strengthen learning and improve performance.

Let’s say you’re about to jump into a writing session. You might spend 3-5 mins editing something you’ve already written, or even just reading something that inspires you. 

Before tackling analytical or strategic work, you could spend a few minutes reviewing a similar problem you’ve handled before. This primes pattern recognition and reduces the cognitive load of starting from zero.

Read more here, and try doing a mental warmup before your next deep work session.

Routine Breakdown

Jamie Maltabes, Founder & CEO of Infinite Medical Group

A Structured Routine for Clear Thinking and Calm Evenings

As a CEO and mom, Jamie Maltabes says her daily routine “is intentionally simple and supports high-level responsibility.”

The Routine:

• No phone in bed. “I don’t start my day by reacting to emails, texts, or socials. The morning is mine, and I choose how I enter the day.”
• Morning movement. “3-4 days a week, I’m at the gym. On the other days, I go out for a walk or clean up the house. Starting the day with movement sets the tone for discipline before the day starts making demands.”
• Protein first. “The first meal of the day is always heavy on the protein and light on the carbs. This keeps my blood sugar stable and my energy consistent. It’s a non-negotiable for focus and decision-making.”
• Structured work blocks. “My time at the office is broken into several blocks where I’m fully focused on the task at hand. Structure protects my attention and eliminates ineffective multitasking.”
• Midday rest. “Sometimes this is taking a walk around the building, other times it’s just chatting with the staff. This time prevents stress from stacking.”
• Evening wind down. “I end my day with a bath and a fiction novel; something that allows me to fully disconnect and mentally step away from work.”
• Plan for tomorrow. “I review the next day’s schedule so there are no unknowns. Clarity reduces anxiety and allows my brain to truly rest.”

Why it works:

• No checking phones, movement, and high-protein breakfasts are all solid building blocks to an intentional morning with sustained energy. 
• Focused work blocks are great because they avoid the “switching costs” associated with multitasking. Meanwhile, work breaks are a must for staying sharp and productive.
• A nighttime wind-down routine preps your mind and body for better sleep.
• Planning for tomorrow reduces anxiety by closing mental loops that might otherwise keep you tossing and turning.

Using a Panda Planner Classic makes it easier to see what’s on tomorrow’s schedule and turn end-of-day reviews into a built-in part of your nightly routine. How do you plan for tomorrow?