My day, every day, starts the night before.

I shower because it’s hot and I sweat, and I’ve gotten into the habit of making my bed. Ever since I installed the AC in my bedroom, I no longer sleep with a flimsy top sheet that I don’t know how to make neat. I brought my duvet and duvet cover back and do a fold over so it looks like a made bed. And I do not want to get under my duvet with sweaty subway skin that’s dried multiple times over. So.

After my shower, I wash the dishes, I tidy up. I do these things because it forces me upright so that my body can digest my dinner. So that I can go to bed knowing, hey. Do NOT have acid reflux. You digested your food some. You moved around. I know because I was these. So I am not as anxious about it. We are not anxious.

Then I set down my bike backpack, inside it, my Kryptonite bike lock, water bottle full of tap water, swim cap, swim goggles, towel, sunscreen, my adult lap swim card. Next to the backpack, my fun T-shirt of the day, black shorts, swimsuit, helmet and hat.

Then I also lay out my clothes for work tomorrow. This is an ordeal. I have to consider the weather and use the existing knowledge I have about how my building’s HVAC system decides to make it frigid when it’s sweltering outside.

Then I have to go to the kitchen and stack my prepared breakfast and lunch tupperware together so I know I can grab them quickly.

Then I pack my work backpack. Work laptop, sometimes personal laptop, novel, planner, work notebook, pencil case, Spanish notebook (sometimes), sketchbook, water bottle.

I tell myself I should stretch, I should foam roll, I should do some mobility routines, I should journal, I should meditate. But usually, I don’t do any of those things. I don’t yet have a practice for them. I feel like I should because I know it’s good for me, it will help me, and help me achieve my goals. But I have not yet made time for it. I trust myself though, so I try to be chill about this. This takes up some time.

Finally, I take my medication, and scroll my phone until I’m sooooo tired and go to sleep, good night!