Robin Sharma Archives - Routine Hacker

Stephanie Melodia

Productivity Tip:

Embrace Analog

Worn out from too much screen time? Try embracing the analog renaissance. The surprising thing: it’s not just good for your health, but also your productivity.

“When you step away from screens, your brain activates what neuroscientists call the default mode network – a system involved in memory consolidation and creative insight,” writes Anne-Laure Le Cunff at Ness Labs. “Research shows that this downtime helps you connect ideas, process emotions, and solve problems more effectively.”

How to go analog? Here are some of her suggestions:

Experiment with pre-digital hobbies like woodworking, pottery, painting or knitting.
Opt for in-person social interactions and design device-free social rituals.
Schedule sacred offline windows – e.g., reading before bed or time outdoors.
Replace some digital tools with physical ones, like using a physical planner over an app or taking notes in a notebook.

So our question for you this week: what’s one thing you could change from digital to analog? Let us know your answer and how making the switch goes for you.

Routine Breakdown

Stephanie Melodia, Entrepreneur, Growth Strategist, MBA Lecturer, Keynote Speaker & Host of Strategy & Tragedy

Inside the Mornings of a Female Founder & Strategist

“As a high-performing entrepreneur with a rare sleep disorder, my morning routines are vital,” says Stephanie Melodia, who adds that the first big sign of success in her routine is waking up without an alarm. Here’s how she starts her days.

The Routine:

Wakes naturally. “I go outside, move my body, breathe fresh air, and get natural daylight within the first 30 mins of waking. (Extensive sleep research has shown that exposure to natural daylight is the most powerful driver of our sleep-wake cycles – and I need all the help I can get!)”
Syncs her routine to her cycle. “As a woman, I also need to adjust my morning routine depending on the time of the month. Whilst ovulating, I give myself grace and slow down, including taking easy mornings where I prioritise gentle starts to the day, eating a comforting breakfast, and avoiding caffeine.”
Hits the gym. “Outside of this, I try to work out in the mornings, as once I get stuck into work there’s no coming back and getting myself to the gym, let’s be honest! Not only does this ensure that I get my workout in for the day, but it also sets me up to be my most alert and pumped self for the day ahead.”
Works on her key tasks. “I then try to tackle ‘the big fish,’ i.e., the biggest needle-moving priorities before getting bogged down by admin later in the day.”

Why it works:

Morning sunlight exposure does help regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep.
Cycle syncing is very individual, but many women find that understanding their cycles and adapting their routines accordingly can help them optimize their health and productivity.
Working out in the morning has been shown to increase focus, mood, energy, and alertness, as well as help to regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Tackling the big fish – also known as “eating the frog” – ensures you make progress where it really matters to your goals.

Do you tackle your big fish early in the day? How do you stay focused on your big goals?

Cathleen O’Sullivan

Productivity Tip:

Do an End-of-Day Review

Here’s a simple habit that can make you more productive, boost your motivation, and keep you smashing your goals, all in just a few minutes: the end-of-day review.

How you structure it is up to you, but it might include:

Looking back over your to-do list to see what you achieved that day
Listing down a few of the day’s “wins”
Reflecting on something you could improve tomorrow
A few moments of planning for tomorrow (like setting priorities or scheduling tasks)

While you can run through it all in your head, having a system where you can actually see your tasks and reflections makes it more concrete. That’s why Panda Planner builds an end-of-day review into every daily section.

How do you reflect on your day’s progress?

Routine Breakdown

Cathleen O’Sullivan – Ease and Impact Mentor for Women Leaders

How a Mentor Protects Her Energy Before the Day Begins

“I am not one of those people who jumps out of bed ready to seize the day with a green juice in hand,” says Cathleen O’Sullivan (relatable, right?). “Mornings in my house are a mix of quiet time, getting out the door on time, and doing small things that help me feel like I’m starting from solid ground, not from chaos.”

The Routine:

Gets up early, ideally before her son wakes. “This one is about creating a bit of breathing room before the day kicks off. It’s not always perfect, but even 15 minutes helps me start from a calmer place. I have this beautiful poster in my bedroom that I see the moment I get up. It stops me and helps me pause and breathe for a moment.”
Listens to a cultural radio station while getting ready. “It mixes current affairs with music from different genres, and I love it. I get to learn something new, hear voices I wouldn’t normally come across, and discover music that makes me feel something.”
Doesn’t check her phone until after 9am. “That’s a boundary I have learned to protect. It gives me space to decide how I want to feel, not just react to what’s already coming at me.”
Walks or cycles with her son to kindergarten. “Even when it’s raining or freezing. That walk/bike ride gives me movement, connection and fresh air. We usually have a chat or a bit of a race too. Playfulness is important to me.”
Does gentle breathing exercises on the way home. “Nothing fancy, just noticing my breath, slowing it down, checking in with myself.”
Only has coffee after protein.”I truly love coffee! I used to drink coffee first thing, but it messed with my energy and made me crash. Now I eat something small with protein first, even just an egg. It feels way more stable and keeps my blood sugar from going on a rollercoaster.”

Why it works:

Avoiding her phone—and instead prioritizing personal time and cultural content—gives Cathleen control over how her day starts and prevents information overload first thing.
Morning movement plus outdoor light improves mood and focus, while playful connection strengthens parent–child bonds.
Slow, mindful breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.
Protein first thing is absolutely a game-changer in managing blood sugar. Try it for yourself!

Cathleen adds that she builds in small pauses, even just a few minutes, before diving into the day. “If I don’t take a moment to stop and ask, ‘What actually matters today?’, then I’m going to get pulled in ten different directions. That pause helps me choose where to focus and protects me from getting swept into urgency mode before 9:30am.”

Have you paused to reflect on what matters most today?

Stuart Semple

Productivity Tip:

Use Wearables to Boost Productivity

Most people think of wearables as fitness trackers. But gues what: they can also be secret weapons for getting more done.

Here are a few easy ways to turn your wearable into a productivity coach:

Set vibration nudges for deep work blocks or quick breaks.
Track movement to make sure you stand up and walk often enough to keep your energy steady.
Use recovery data (like HRV or sleep scores) to decide whether to tackle creative projects, high-focus tasks or lighter admin.
Celebrate milestones like uninterrupted work hours, not just steps.

Got any other tips on using wearables for staying creative, focused, and efficient? Hit reply and let us know!

Routine Breakdown

Stuart Semple, Artist & Activist

How a Famous Artist Stays Calm & Creative

“I think one of the major ingredients in my success is my routine,” says leading British conceptual artist Stuart Semple, who is famous for inventing the world’s blackest black and pinkest pink. He:

The Routine:

Wakes at 6am. “It gets me ahead of the day and gives me quiet time before anyone needs me.”
Does light therapy. He uses a Luminette device for 20 mins. “This has been pivotal in fixing my circadian rhythm.”
Meditates/breathwork for 20 mins, “centering on a connection with what I am.”
Has a 7-min cold shower.
Works all day in his studio on his projects.
At 7pm, he puts on blue light blocking lenses to start his body winding down.
Has a 20-min sauna while focusing on a gratitude meditation. “This removes any daily stress, and has helped my resting heart rate.”
Sleeps. “I go to bed at 9pm – making sure to leave my mobile phone outside the bedroom. This has been huge in increasing the quality of my sleep.”

Why it works:

Studies so far suggest that Luminette light therapy can improve sleep quality and help reduce fatigue during the day.
Morning meditation is a science-backed way to clear mental clutter and set a calm, focused tone for the day.
A short cold shower boosts circulation and wakes up your nervous system.
Reducing blue light exposure at night can help you sleep better. Though avoiding screens all together is a better option than glasses, slipping them on can still serve as a helpful signal that it’s time to wind down.
Saunas are great for physical health and gratitude for mental health. Together, they’re a powerful combination!

Stuart adds that he’s a fan of using wearables to track and monitor his health and energy. “I track everything with the WHOOP MG,” he tells us.

Keltie O’Connor

Productivity Tip:

Delay Caffeine… Or, Don’t.

It’s one of the internet’s latest debates. Should you delay caffeine intake by 90 minutes in the morning? From a productivity standpoint, experts like Andrew Huberman say yes, you should.

The reason is that if you drink coffee right away, it clashes with cortisol (the hormone that helps you wake up) and doesn’t give adenosine, your sleepiness chemical, time to clear. Waiting about 90 minutes means caffeine works with your body instead of against it, helping to prevent crashes later on.

However, as Keltie O’Connor notes (see below), there’s more to your morning coffee than the caffeine boost. “Personally, I think coffee is the most important thing because of the ritual. It’s the one time you can find to just relax and enjoy the morning.”

So, if your coffee ritual is important to you—if it creates a mindful moment or a sense of calm, or just, you know, a reason to get out of bed in the morning—go for it.

And if you want the best of both worlds, you can always start with herb tea or decaf, then save the caffeine for later. How do you roll when it comes to morning coffee? ☕

Routine Breakdown

Keltie O’Connor, Fitness Influencer

The “Perfect” Routine a Fitness Influencer Swears By

Ex-athlete and YouTube influencer Keltie O’Connor calls this “the perfect science-based routine for women,” noting that even a minute or two on each category is enough to kickstart a brilliant morning. She breaks it into eight steps:

The Routine:

Wake up. It doesn’t have to be at 5am, says Keltie—just get 7-9 hours sleep, don’t hit snooze, and be consistent.
Hydration. “Start your day with a glass of water. Why? It’s a nice easy habit to habit stack before you have your fun beverage.” Next, enjoy the ritual of making coffee or tea.
Nutrition. Eat to fuel your workouts, work, and hormones. Especially if you’re going to be working out, have at least a small amount of protein and carbs first. Fast if you like, but “just be careful, women—the science is not as concrete there.”
Energize. If you only have a minute, try a cold shower. If you have 5 minutes, blast some music and dance. This “helps release endorphins, your body’s feel-good chemicals.” If you have more time, go out for a walk.
Solitude. Take a moment to yourself to manage stress. A few deep breaths, do a brain dump, meditate, stretch, or read/journal.
Movement. Consider a medium- to high-intensity workout in the morning if it fits your schedule. If you’re short on time, try “exercise snacks” throughout the day. “If you’re getting in your workout, you’re winning.”
Beauty. Brush your teeth, put on sunscreen, and do any other skincare that works for you.
Get your life together. Do something that makes you feel in control. “These are the little things that take 1-5 minutes that really set you up for success later on.” Make your bed, put on an outfit that makes you feel good, write a to-do list, or do a brain dump.

Why it works:

This routine covers the basics your body and brain need—sleep, hydration, movement, fuel, focus, and small wins. There’s plenty of research to suggest that Keltie is right: even a few minutes in each category can boost mood and energy while lowering stress.

“Life will never get less stressful,” says Keltie. “So your only option is to become more resilient to stress.” That’s why taking some time for yourself in the mornings—even if just a few minutes—is so crucial. What do you think of her “perfect science-based routine”?

Eloise Newnham

Wellness Tip:

Sync Your Breathwork to Your Cycle

This one’s for the ladies. 💁‍♀️If you have a menstrual cycle, you may not be aware that it affects more than your moods: it even affects your breath.

Yes, lung function and breath-hold ability can shift depending on your hormonal phase. On top of that, certain types of breathwork may be better at different times of the month.

It’s still an emerging field of research, but here’s what we know so far:

In the menstrual phase, slow, soothing breathwork like diaphragmatic breathing or extended exhales can calm the nervous system and ease cramps.
In the follicular phase, energising breathwork like Wim Hof can boost focus, mood, and mental clarity.
Around ovulation, balanced practices like box breathing or coherent breathing help maintain focus and emotional steadiness.
In the luteal phase, calming techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or humming can reduce anxiety and support better sleep.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Thanks to this week’s guest (see below) for the tip!

Routine Breakdown

Eloise Newnham, Founder and CEO of FUTURE WOMAN

Routine of A Founder & Hormone Health Geek

As founder of a hormone testing company for women, Eloise Newnham lives and breathes hormone health. “It also means juggling a million tabs open in my brain every day,” says Eloise. “So my morning routine is non-negotiable. It’s designed to support both my hormones and my headspace as a founder.”

The Routine:

Wakes after a full night’s sleep. “Sleep is the foundation. I aim for 9 hours a night. I track sleep with an Oura ring and this is what I’ve found I need to feel my best.”
Sunlight and hydration. “First thing, I get 15 minutes of morning light outside to set up my circadian rhythm for the day—plus a large glass of water with a pinch of Celtic sea salt to hydrate and kick-start adrenal function.”
Quick movement. “A short stretch and 2-minute strength challenge may sound simple, but even small amounts of movement help build muscle (which combats insulin resistance) and support lymphatic flow—both crucial for hormone balance.”
Cycle-aware breathwork. “Breathwork helps support a healthy cortisol response—something we test for at FUTURE WOMAN. But I adjust it to suit my cycle phase. So much of what we do is to adapt things that appear universal but actually have been designed with men in mind!” In her follicular phase, she uses energising Wim Hof breathing. In luteal/menstruation, she switches to calming 4-7-8 breathing.
Infrared. “I habit stack breathwork with 10 minutes in front of my infrared light to reduce inflammation and support recovery.”
Stimulating lymph flow. “Before a quick shower, I gently massage six key lymph nodes (behind the ears, collarbone, armpits, stomach, inner thighs, and behind the knees).”
Breakfast and supplements. “When I remember, I drink a warm mug of bone broth before breakfast to support gut lining, digestion, and overall hormone health. Then it’s a high-protein, high-fat breakfast. Usually a protein smoothie or 3 eggs on flaxseed bread with veggies. Eating protein within an hour of waking helps to keep blood sugar stable throughout the day.”

Why it works:

Sleep, sunlight, hydration and movement are four of the pillars of human health!
Early evidence suggests that different breathing practices are better suited to certain cycle stages. See above!
Research suggests red light therapy may be effective for pain, inflammation, and more.
Massaging lymph nodes may help support circulation and lymph flow, based on techniques used in lymphatic drainage massage.
Eloise is right—high protein breakfasts help keep blood glucose steady. Make sure you’re getting enough!

“This routine helps me show up clear-headed, calm, and energised,” says Eloise. What do you think of her routine?

Eleonora Romano

Productivity Tip:

Use The “Just One More” Rule

You know those moments when you feel like quitting? Instead of giving in to the urge to distract yourself with another cookie, tell yourself to do just one more thing.

One more email, one more slide, one more five-minute burst… whatever it may be, this tiny mental shift helps you push through resistance without pushing yourself into burnout.

It’s a form of incremental willpower—stretching your limits without overwhelming your brain’s executive function. It’s similar to the concept of “micro-goals” used in behavioral therapy.

Over time, this habit increases your ability to tolerate discomfort and stay engaged longer. Why not give it a shot today?

Routine Breakdown

Eleonora Romano, Founder & Creative Director of Romano Interior Architecture

How a Design Entrepreneur & Mother of 3 Stays Efficient

“Efficiency is my superpower,” says Eleonora Romano, entrepreneur and mother of three. “My routine is built to maximise output without sacrificing presence, creativity, or wellbeing.” Here’s how she structures her days.

The Routine:

5:45am – Wake up and straight into movement. “No scrolling, no snooze. I’m either out running, at the gym, swimming or cycling. I alternate workouts to keep my body and mind sharp.” Eleonora says this is her hour: “It fuels everything else I do in the day.”
7:30am – Household logistics and school prep. “This hour is high-intensity in its own way: overseeing three kids under nine, delegating household tasks, managing the day’s priorities. It’s short, intense, but sets the tone for a calm and efficient day.”
9:00am onwards – Studio leadership and project work. “Once the kids are off, I dive into client meetings, site coordination, and managing my interior architecture practice. I operate across multiple time zones and disciplines, so clarity in the morning gives me flexibility later.”
4:00–7:00pm – School run + late client follow-ups. “I often handle school pick-up, squeeze in after-school logistics, and use any spare moments to close loops on work via mobile or a late Zoom call.”
7:00–9:30pm – Family time & wind-down. “Dinner, connection, laughter. My evenings are phone-free. Before bed, I sketch or read—quiet rituals that recharge me creatively.”
9:45pm – Lights out. “Rest is the foundation of my performance. As a business owner and a parent, I don’t compromise on it.”

Why it works:

Eleonora’s routine is all about making the moments count. Even with a packed schedule, she carves out time for herself each morning and winds down with quality family time each evening. Movement, connection, and rest are non-negotiables, and it’s this consistent balance that helps Eleonora stay efficient and present in both business and motherhood.