divergent thinker Archives

Jun Yuh

Productivity Tip:

Use Commitment Devices

Struggling to stick to your goals? Try a commitment device. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can keep you on track.

Here’s how it works: create a consequence or reward linked to your goal. For example, tell a friend about your deadline and ask them to check in with you. Knowing someone else is watching can push you to stay focused.

Research backs this up—people who use commitment contracts are more likely to succeed. You can even try apps like Beeminder that charge you money if you miss your target.

Accountability can be a game changer for procrastination and self-control issues. Give it a try and see how much more productive you can be.

Routine Breakdown

Jun Yuh, Influencer

A Night Routine for Stellar Mornings

“When I try to pull myself out of a rut, these anchor points are the first things I look to,” says Jun Yuh, who vlogs about learning and productivity. His night routine helps him wake up rested and ready to go. He:

The Routine:

8.30 pm: First night alarm. This indicates it’s time to stop what he’s doing and initiate his night routine. Jun starts his routine with wash and skincare.
9 pm: Cleaning time. He does about 15 minutes of batching his day’s cleaning tasks together: dishes, trash, tidying his desk, etc.
9.15 pm: Prep time for the next day. This allows him to enter his peak productivity time in the morning already organized. Updates his calendar, has the right tabs open, and prioritizes his tasks. “When you don’t prioritize [important tasks], usually they don’t get done. This is a good time to ensure you’re allocating time for them.”
9.30 pm: 30 minutes of reflections. He journals, recapping on the day and tracking his wins, which he breaks down into mental wins, physical wins, and spiritual wins. “This allows you to see your life through a completely different lens.”
10 pm: Second night alarm. All screens turned off and temperature slightly lowered for better sleep.

Why it works:

Setting a night alarm helps you stick to your night routine and turn it into a habit.
Batching cleaning tasks at the end of the day allows him to give his energy to other things. (Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone—do what works for you.)
Prioritizing your to-do list ensures you focus on the right things.
Journaling is powerful for mental health, and celebrating wins boosts confidence and motivation. Have you tried using the nightly reflection section of Panda Planner to track your wins?
Going screen-free before bed and having your room the right temperature are elements of good sleep hygiene. So is having a consistent bedtime!

Night routines are all about, as Jun says, putting emphasis on the areas that you know will actually make an impact for you the next day. Prepping your space, reflecting, and setting yourself up for a solid night’s sleep are all things to consider prioritizing.

Amanda Foster

Wellness Tip:

Move After Meals

Did you know there’s a super-simple hack for keeping your blood sugar in check? All you have to do is move for a few minutes after eating.

“Moving your muscles for 10 minutes after a meal can drastically reduce your glucose response,” says Dr. Casey Means, who suggests taking a walk around the block or even having a quick dance party in the kitchen (double points for making the washing up more fun!).

Research shows that movement helps to prevent blood glucose spikes and keep insulin stable—and as little as two minutes makes a difference. So, how about busting a move while you wash up after dinner today?

Routine Breakdown

Amanda Foster, Owner of Foster Consulting

How a Night Owl Gets Things Done

Night owl alert! Award-winning eDesigner and interior design consultant Amanda Foster says she usually gets up at around 3 pm PST and is active online until 5-6 in the morning.

“I’ve been this way for years,” she says. “I have a lot of clients overseas so it actually works great when I’m coaching or doing mentoring group sessions with people in places like Australia, Tokyo, South Africa, and the UK.”

The Routine:

Washes her face. “My mom had ingrained a self-care routine since I was 12.”
Has mushroom and collagen coffee, and a bagel with cream cheese and salmon. “Netflix is on in the background or 80s funky music.”
Checks email and FB messenger. “I reply to business inquiries and leave voice notes to clients I am coaching – all in my pjs as I get going.”
Works on a laptop for 8-10 hours. “I try to break it up with walks around the block. I live by a HUGE park that has a zoo with beautiful gardens – a great place to take a quick 5-10 min stroll.”
Jogs and stays mobile. “I jog to help not get couch potato syndrome, and I work on a laptop that can be in the kitchen, living room, coffee shop, or my home office.”

Why it works:

A splash of cold water on the face can benefit the skin and it wakes you up!
Mushroom coffee has less caffeine and potential benefits like improved brain function and immunity, while collagen may help joints, skin, and more.
Regular breaks are essential for productivity. Pair that with movement and exposure to nature, and you have yourself a winning combination.
Jogging is good for your heart, immune system, and mental health—to name just a few.

Amanda’s routine proves that 5 am starts aren’t for everyone: the ideal routine is the one that fits with your lifestyle and natural rhythms.

Are you a night owl or a morning lark?

Lisa Carroll

Productivity Tip:

Try Nature Sound Therapy

Why are nature sounds just so… relaxing? We can’t say for sure, but we know they bring calmness. Research agrees: Hearing nature sounds is a way to relieve stress.

So, when you can’t get out into nature, bring nature into your ears. Birds chirping, ocean waves crashing, rain falling… whatever floats your tranquil boat (is that a thing?)… press play and try a little nature sound therapy.

You can find plenty of nature sound tracks online for free – just try searching on YouTube, Spotify, or apps like Insight Timer. Give it a try today!

Routine Breakdown

Lisa May Carroll, Retail Consultant & Founder of Strut Solutions

Early bird Lisa May Carroll wakes naturally at around 5-5.30am, but to ensure she gets time for herself in the mornings, she sets an alarm just in case. Then she:

Makes a cup of tea. “No matter what day of the week or where I am in the world, a cup of tea is my priority!”
Quietly wakes up with 5-10 mins of sipping tea and thinking about the day ahead.
Listens to a chapter or two of a business audiobook. “Since running a business, I’ve found it a good way to start the day. I find other people’s business stories and advice so inspiring.”
Exercises, usually Yoga or Pilates. “Moving my body first thing in the morning benefits my mood so much for the rest of the day.”
Avoids checking her phone or laptop until after she has showered and dressed. “Previously, checking emails would be the first thing I did. But I’ve realized that setting myself up for the day properly will mean I’m so much more productive and in a better mindset.”

Occasionally conducts walking internal team meetings while working from home. “It sort of feels like a mini commute – and I find the calls are always so productive.”

Why it works:

As well as being a “hug in a mug,” tea has a bunch of science-backed health benefits. Drinking it mindfully is even better.
Listening to business audiobooks is a great way to learn and stimulate ideas.
Research shows Pilates and yoga encourage healthy behaviors and positive health beliefs, “setting a positive reinforcement cycle in motion.”
Avoiding devices first thing means you can get through the key parts of your routine without distraction. Try it if it’s possible for you!

Have you tried walking meetings? Studies show walking boosts creative thinking. Here are some tips for holding meetings on the move. Let us know if you have any of your own!

Amy Peacock

Wellness Tip:

Indulge In Some Nostalgia

You know how the things you loved as a kid seem totally special and magical now? That’s the power of nostalgia.

But here’s the real magic: Basking in the warm glow of your favorite memories isn’t just fun, it’s a research-backed route to a happier you. Studies show that indulging in nostalgia can boost your mood, spark creativity, and even soothe pain.

Try flipping through old photos, listening to music from your past, or recreating your favorite childhood meals. Sharing these moments with friends or family can double the joy.

What things are most nostalgia-inducing for you? Reply and let us know!

Routine Breakdown

Amy Peacock, Founder of Earth’s Secret

“I like to stick to this morning routine every day,” says wellness entrepreneur Amy Peacock. “Even if it’s hard to get up, I like to do at least one step.” She:

Stretches and drinks water upon waking. “Even when I’m feeling extra tired, after I do this, I feel so much better.”
Takes an ice-cold shower. “If you accomplish the most difficult thing first, then everything that comes after that will be easy.”
Meditates for 10 minutes, working on mindfulness and just being present.
Opens her journal and repeats positive affirmations for the day, reviewing her desires and goals.
Sometimes does 5 mins of Wim Hof interactive breathing. “I am a big fan of the iceman, and this breathing technique is so amazing.”
Gets dressed and, just before heading off to work, takes Earth’s Secret Balance and Boost supplements. “After that, I feel energized, calm, focused, and ready to start my day.”

Why it works:

Stretching improves blood flow, making you feel more energized and awake.
As well as starting the day with a win, cold showers may well boost your health.
Mindfulness is good for our hearts, minds, and bodies!
There’s science behind both journaling and affirmations, making this a powerful combination for mental health. That’s why daily affirmations are included in Panda Planner.
The Wim Hof method is designed to stimulate the parasympathetic system, thus lowering stress – and there’s some research to support the benefits.

Have you ever tried Wim Hof breathing? If you’re interested in giving it a try, there’s a guided video here. See if it works for you!

Laila Ali

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

– Nelson Mandela

Productivity Tip:

Try a Desktop Zen Garden

You know what can be stressful? Work. Too many to-dos. Boss breathing down your neck. Trying to be productive all the time.

And how can you be your most productive when you’re over-stressed?

Here’s an idea. Try taking mini mindfulness breaks using a desktop Zen garden. These teeny-tiny gardens bring moments of calm amidst the bustle of the day – and they look pretty, too. Have you ever tried one?

Routine Breakdown

Laila Ali, Boxing Champion, TV Host & Entrepreneur

Retired boxing champ and daughter of the late great Muhammad Ali, Laila says consistency is key. She:

Loves morning protein shakes. Her go-to: vanilla protein powder, collagen powder (for healthy joints, hair, and nails), almond butter (for healthy fats), oat milk, cinnamon, and half a banana (some carbs for energy).
Drinks plenty of water, aiming for 40 ounces throughout the morning.
Hits the home gym (sometimes in her pajamas).
Has her dogs by her side and incorporates them into her routine.

Why it works:

High-protein breakfasts help to increase muscle mass, regulate glucose, and more.
Hydrate! It benefits your cognition, mood, energy, and attention.
The best workout is the one you do! If that means you don’t get dressed, so be it.
Pets aren’t just cute – they benefit your mental health.

Morning workouts don’t have to be long or complex to be effective. Here’s a 7-minute routine of Laila’s you can follow along with – in or out of your pajamas!

Avery Lauren

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

– Famed Architect & Designer, Frank Lloyd Wright

Wellness Tip:

Try Biophilic Design

Ever heard of biophilic design? It’s a fancy name for using natural elements in your living space. Think indoor plants, basking in natural light, or even a charming little water feature.

Not just pretty, this approach has some serious science behind it. Studies have shown that incorporating nature at home can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Imagine unwinding in a room filled with greenery and soft natural light – it’s like a mini-retreat at home! So, why not start with a few plants or rearrange to let more sunlight in? Read more here and try your hand at some biophilic design. 🌿

Productivity Tip:

Map Out Your Mind

You’ve used brainstorming to generate ideas. Well, mind mapping helps you create connections between those ideas. It’s a really cool way to visually organize your thoughts.

Research shows that mind mapping can improve learning and memory by engaging both sides of your brain. It helps connect concepts, making them easier to recall and understand.

There are a bunch of tech tools that can help you with mind mapping, like MindMeister or XMind. So, next time you’re stuck or need to sort out your ideas, open one up and let your creativity flow.

Routine Breakdown

Avery Lauren, Wellness Influencer

“My fav part of the day is changing out of my nighttime pajamas into my daytime pajamas,” says Avery Lauren. Yes, a TikTok influencer with a relatable WFH morning routine! She:

Makes the bed, then changes into her comfy work-from-home clothes.
Does her skincare routine.
Makes a protein-packed healthy breakfast and eats it while watching TV.
Makes iced coffee, then lights a candle and does some journaling before starting work.

Why it works:

Bed-making has research-backed benefits, like giving you a sense of achievement.
A healthy, protein-rich breakfast sets you up for a healthier day.
Journaling is a marvel for mental health, while small rituals have a power of their own.

Do you work from home? What’s your pre-work routine like?