My week with the 5-9 routine: “In just five days I feel lighter, brighter and more energized”
Every three to four months, I tell someone close to me that it’s time to take control of my life. The announcement usually comes after a night on the town when my hair hasn’t been brushed and I have a strong craving for a Chinese takeout.
The urge to change is particularly strong in the new year, and this year was no different. 2022 was the year without routine for me. I was self-employed and the Kerry Rose at the same time. A structured regime had no place in my timeline. At the end of December I was exhausted and exhausted. I longed for stability and a plan.
People often look to self-help gurus for solutions to such problems, but I’m a skeptic. Self-help enthusiastic and preaching billionaires usually have a team of people to help them run their lives and businesses on a daily basis. This means they have free hours to devote to self-empowerment. Nevertheless, I wanted to try to start 2023 in the best possible way. My new personal growth method of choice? Elliot Wise’s 5-9 routine.
Wise is an entrepreneur, business mentor and personal trainer. He believes that during the traditional 9-5 hours, we focus too much on productivity. Instead, we should focus on the off-clock moments because those hours are the most important when it comes to motivation, health, and overall happiness.
The strategy is growing in popularity on TikTok and has a basic morning and afternoon structure. Wise points out that each person will have different routines depending on their career and lifestyle, but these steps can help you create optimal practice.
In the morning, Wise suggests getting up before sunrise, cutting off the phone, drinking water, taking a 30-minute walk, avoiding the stressful commute, and engaging in a brainstorming session or “huddle.” When the sun goes down, he advocates a post-work debrief, exercise, eat a healthy dinner, plan for the day ahead, and some all-important relaxation. Sounds easy right? Well, all the best self-development practices appear easy on paper. In reality, it may be a different story.
So I tested Wise’s system for a week. That’s how I progressed.
Monday
If I tried the 5-9 method in the summer months, I think I’d faint. Sunrise in June can be as early as 4:54 am; I don’t think my body could take it. Luckily, a sunrise in January can only be at 8:44 am. This is overall more comfortable with my circadian clock.
Still, my father was a bit suspicious when he saw me standing up long before the birds and with a coffee in hand. He asked me more than once if I was okay and then worried about my health.
Without turning off my alarm, I left my phone aside and headed out for my walk. As a freelancer, I don’t have a team to team up with like Wise suggests. Instead, I engage in my group chat and send in some ideas for possible articles in exchange for thoughts. Nobody answers except for a concerned friend. “You are very active this morning, Édaein, are you all right?” She asks.
In the evenings, I do a quick Pilates workout, eat a veggie-filled dinner, take some notes for tomorrow’s work, and relax with a new book. Pure bliss.
Tuesday
The second day of any plan is difficult. The first is always hopeful and eager, but the shine can quickly dim. Luckily I get up again without my phone in hand and enjoy a fresh and brisk walk. I can already feel the benefits of morning scrolling. my mind is calm It almost feels like living in a bubble before the news cycle and online world are bombed.
Because I work from home, I don’t have the stress of a morning commute. That’s something I don’t miss about living in Dublin. In the city, traffic can make or break your day. In the countryside, your biggest fear is getting stuck behind a tractor or delivery driver whose GPS isn’t working. It’s a different world.
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Édaein trains according to the 5-9 routine during her week. Photo: Paul McCarthy
Wednesday
It’s true what they say, exercise and healthy eating make you feel great. As annoying as the revelation is, it’s a very simple fact. After three days I feel more productive and energetic. I skipped the walk on a wet morning because I’m not yet strong enough to endure a 30-minute walk in the freezing January humidity. My desire for improvement will only go so far.
With Wise’s plan, I’ll be more flexible. Since I had free time, I did my training in the morning instead of in the evening. Since I work alone, I had to say goodbye to the “huddle” idea. My friends threatened to block me. I tried brainstorming with my mom but was told I was interrupting her daily This morning contemplation ritual.
Thursday
Not looking at my phone when I wake up changes me. I’m starting to think I don’t need a telecom device. I don’t even need a laptop. I send my items by post. By the time my letters get delivered, my hot takes will be dead, but who cares? I’m going off the grid.
Of course, these crazy notions don’t last long. I’m faithful to the plan, but some aspects falter. Wise says to sit still after the day at work to meditate or listen to a podcast. My mind wanders aimlessly to thoughts of my dinner and dread of an upcoming workout.
I also forgot to plan ahead for tomorrow but I feel good and stable and together. Isn’t that the point?
Friday
By Friday everyone in my life is telling me I’m in much better shape and look healthier. This makes me think I’m usually grumpy and look seriously ill. Still, I go ahead, follow my steps, and have a wonderfully productive and satisfying day.
However, my Friday evening looks different than the one before. I don’t believe in a dry January. The month is hard enough without additional pain. I skip the workout and healthy dinner and after work have a few drinks with a friend who says I have a pep in my steps.
Wise is also a big fan of ticking off the smallest wins and I really like that idea. It could be something as small as taking out the trash cans or making a healthy breakfast. Something that the “future self” will appreciate.
The judgment
Well, can the 5-9 method change your life? To be honest, I can’t answer that. To identify the true benefits of a lifestyle change, you need months of daily data. However, in just five days, I feel lighter, brighter and more invigorated.
This changed perspective is the result of a number of important actions. Not only waking up to not scrolling my phone has clouded my mind, it has also made me a better morning and evening person. Taking a 30-minute walk before starting your day is energizing and refreshing. Sport after work helps to clear your head and puts you in the right mood to enjoy the well-deserved rest.
As the week wore on, my devotion to snuggling and pre-planning waned, but in the end it didn’t matter. Small changes are crucial. You get the best results. I believe that after a week you will be able to select the parts of the 5-9 plan that will help you do your best. There’s no need to overwhelm yourself with a long to-do list, especially in these dark days. So, am I finally getting my life together? Well, it’s certainly a start.
https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/my-week-on-the-5-9-routine-in-just-five-days-i-feel-lighter-brighter-and-invigorated-42319958.html My week with the 5-9 routine: “In just five days I feel lighter, brighter and more energized”