Our patterns of behavior today is the best predictor of what we will do tomorrow. These develop into habits that can be useful or detrimental. Do you brush your teeth? If you don’t, I hear that they leave you. Thus we can see the fundamental benefit of daily habits.

Old fashion values sometimes can still be useful. The principle of work before play I think is as fundamental as gravity. In spite of this many people have trouble accepting this. The thing about gravity is, it’s true whether you accept it or not. Another old saying is, “An idle mind is the workshop of the Devil.” This harkens me back to my grade school teachers. Like gravity it also is true that when we are idle and not doing much for long periods of time, we tend to deteriorate emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The structure that I recommend for daily consumption is to start with the basics, like making your bed first thing when you wake up. I think exercise is a very good ingredient, to follow that, before or afterwards, perhaps a prayer for the day or meditation. Breakfast is then in order.

Following the principle of working before play, I think work is very important to start off with. If you are fortunate you may be able to your job from home, or school from home. If neither of these is appropriate, then I think work could take the form of reading. I think it’s useful to read just about anything, a novel will do or perhaps something to learn about.

Lunch is up to bat next.

If you have more work to do you may occupy some of the afternoon with that, before beginning the next stage of the day which would be play.

Play can involve any variety of activities that you find interesting. This may involve talking to friends, watching tv or playing games. This would be an excellent time when videogames would be a useful thing to do for adolescents and adults.

Dinner and family time are very important as the next thing we do.

Without structure to the day people become apathetic and listless. As one day grows into another without structure, depression starts growing. This depression may be accompanied by anxiety, agitation, decreased motivation and may lead to addictions. Addictions of all sorts are a way that we cope when we are bored or have nothing else to do with our time and want to get rid of disquieting feelings. As this process grows, one can clearly see that now there are several problems consuming a persons’ life that can lead to significant dysfunction, pain and suffering.

In conclusion, structure for the day is an important ingredient for all of us at all stages of our lives. 

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