Change Something You Do Daily | Routine
Last month I shared my first routine blog and I did mention this was a series so every once in awhile you'll get a new one from me on this matter until I have given all my secrets away. Ha. The last one's takeaway was to not overthink it, but more so explaining how I manage my day-to-day routine/schedule. I do have more tips and resources to share that really help me stay in line with a routine. With that being said, I'm putting those thoughts on hold until the next. I think this subject for today is the most important one to share about. I'm diving into my mental health with having a routine and mainly because I do realize the negativity that some people feel towards having a "routine" life.
The idea of living the same way every single day. Are you going to get hella bored of your life? How can you keep the spark of inspiration alive while having this "routine" to stick to? It's a lot, I know personally. This is the biggest reason I used to never stick to routines. I always crossed myself by saying "I can't do these same things every single day. I'm mentally going insane." Then I would add "oh my God. I'm getting nothing done and days are slipping by!" It's all about balance and if you can't find it then your routine will not stick. You can be the most discipline person and force it, but like the people that think negatively on routines, I agree, that's no way to live.
To sum this up or make it as simple as possible. The first step is baby steps. Becuase you can have a spontaneous life while managing a scheduled routine. Start with one daily task and really be proud of yourself every day you pull through with it. But more importantly be proud on the days you take a break because rest is needed. It's a rest, not a giving up moment. Again, don't overthink this. You know what you can do and don't push it further. This task could be going to the gym. It could be getting fresh air. It can be anything you feel your life is missing. When I did this it changed my mind and showed me how I could mentally get myself to stick to something daily. I slowly added more and more to it. What was a morning task that I held every day turned into a routine of tasks I do each day. You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. Even the smallest things.
How do I keep things different or switch it up? Each day is different. I know this isn't doable for everyone but when you can, try to make tasks different. Sure I could type one blog every morning but by the third, fourth, or fifth day I'm going to be pretty sick of typing and my work is probably going to get real sloppy. I found my blogs got shorter and shorter. I started caring less as long as that blog went up. Then I changed it to two to three mornings a week. I typed a couple blogs each of those days and the other days I do other tasks in their place. It helped tremendously and this can be with any tasks. It could be cutting the gym time to three days verses the five you were pulling. On those extra two days you can read a book, watch a show, or hell even nap. Or it could be in your work life. Do you do the same paperwork every single day but could move tasks around and get a little more papers done this day so tomorrow you can skip it and do another task? The list goes on but it can be work or lifestyle tasks.
You can live spontaneously with a routine. For me this consists of the above, changing tasks in my routine daily, but also having time slots throughout the day where it's just "me time." Sure some of those are filled with work I'm behind on. I do have busier weeks that take a lot out of me but I always come back and remind myself I have to have balance. So that "me time" is just that. It's an open window to do whatever I want in that very moment. I used to feel guilty setting any time aside for myself (which is stupid to begin with) but nothing feels better than having a completed day of work and having extra me time. I also have been giving myself an hour or so before I start my routine in the mornings for whatever the hell I want to do. It has helped me so much. It clears my mind at the start of the day and makes me focus on myself before work. Then I'm tackling my busy day in a much healthier mindset.
I live by routine to stay busy and accomplished but I do it in a way that it doesn't feel like I'm on a strict routine. I think the biggest reason is because I take my health (physical and mental) very seriously. If I need downtime I fucking take it. And I don't feel bad about it anymore. So change something you do each day for yourself and it can be lifestyle, me time, work, anything. Start small, don't overthink it, and add as you go. Live life for you and know you are strong enough to be both happy and successful in every single one of your days.
xx - Ally
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