Experimenting with Habits: What I’m Testing Now
I’m testing new habits and tools, from cold plunges to ease post-workout inflammation, to a post-work walk for a mental reset. These routines, plus task apps like Things 3 and ergonomic tools like Colemak keyboards, help me refine my day-to-day for better productivity and health.
Cold Plunges
I’ve long known about the benefits of cold-water exposure, particularly for reducing post-exercise inflammation. To test this for myself, I’m now doing two-minute cold plunges in our large bathtub after my showers, with plans to gradually extend the duration. I’ll keep a record of any changes in recovery and overall well-being, aiming to review the results after 30 days.
Things 3 for Task Management
I find myself switching between Todoist and Things 3 occasionally, but right now, Things 3 is keeping my daily productivity on point, especially outside of work. So far, it feels like a good fit, helping me organize my personal and professional tasks effectively.
Using Drafts for Quick Capture
I’ve always liked the idea of having a centralized app where all my notes and ideas start. Although I’ve had Drafts on both iOS and macOS for a while, I hadn’t fully integrated it into my workflow. Now, I’m putting in the time to make Drafts my go-to tool for capturing ideas on the fly.
Post-Work Walks to Transition Mindsets
Working from home has blurred the boundary between work and personal time, often leaving me sitting on the couch after work, replaying the day rather than being fully present with my family. My wife helped me realize that without a commute, I’m missing a chance to decompress. Now, I’m committing to a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood at the end of my workday. So far, it’s helping me feel more mentally present when I return home.
Cycling on Sundays
Running has been my primary cardio focus recently, but cycling was my go-to before that. Now that I’ve completed my running program, I’m carving out Sundays to get back on the bike. I’m excited to reintroduce cycling into my week and add some variety to my routine.
No Alcohol
This is another experiment to optimize my sleep quality. I’ve noticed that alcohol affects my sleep, so I’ve swapped it out for non-alcoholic drinks that still deliver the taste I enjoy, without the negative impact on my rest.
No Caffeine After 2 PM
Optimizing sleep has been a big focus for me lately. I used to drink coffee throughout the day, convinced it didn’t impact my sleep. But tracking with my Garmin and Oura devices showed I was wrong. By cutting caffeine after 2 p.m., I’m allowing it to clear my system, letting sleep pressure build naturally—and the results have been noticeable.
Switching to a Split Keyboard and Colemak Layout
I spend a lot of time at my computer, and after prolonged use on a standard QWERTY keyboard, I started noticing aches in my upper back, shoulders, and wrists. Research led me to understand that this pain likely stemmed from ulnar deviation—the awkward angles our arms and wrists adopt with conventional keyboards. To address this, I decided to switch to a split ergonomic keyboard with the Colemak layout. I’ll likely write a more detailed post on this, but so far, it’s been a game-changer in terms of comfort.
