If you had asked me 10 years ago how I felt about following a set routine day in and day out I likely would have scoffed and said something to the effect of “how boring”. Sure I would have agreed that children and teenagers need structure and routine to help them be successful but the thought of carrying that logic to me as an adult, no way. For a long time I thought that following a routine would make my life too rigid and lack spontaneity. I have a high need for fun in my life and tend to be quite weary of any life changes that could threaten my ability to have fun.
Fast forward ten years and ask me today how I feel about following a set routine and I will say I love it because it helps me feel balanced and healthy. My daily routine is completely predictable and guess what? I still have lots of fun and find ways to be spontaneous. So how do I manage to be predictable and spontaneous at the same time? I determine what actions I need to take every day to bring balance and well being into my life and fit everything else in accordingly. This includes when I wake and go to sleep, what I eat and drink, when I exercise, and when I work.
I may wake up and go to bed a little later on the weekends but for the most part I keep to my routine and reap the benefits. I notice since settling into my current routine I have more energy, more motivation to work towards my goals, my thought processes are clearer and more positive, and I feel good about myself. I am still able to be spontaneous and fun by being adventurous on the weekends or after work and don’t feel like my routine is too rigid or boring.
I have learned firsthand that living with structure and routine is just as beneficial for adults as it is for children. In fact I look back and laugh when I think about my former beliefs because I realize I was more rigid and stubborn with my thoughts 10 years ago then I am now. I understand now when I look back that I was so attached to being a certain way that I actually limited myself from reaching my full potential. What a paradox that in structuring my life more I have found myself to feel more free.
If you find yourself having that nagging feeling that your life could be so much better consider looking to your routine and making changes that give your day more structure and attention to actions that benefit your well being. Start with setting a bedtime and a waking time. Designate time just for you every day. Use this “you” time to write in a journal, meditate, play music, read, or any hobby type activity that brings you joy and engages your mind. Schedule time into your morning routine to say positive affirmations and acknowledge things you are grateful for and give thanks. This puts you in a positive mindset to start your day and can be done in 5-10 minutes. Make time to exercise by planning to get up and move around every day. If you have trouble finding time for exercise then fit movement into your schedule by parking further away and taking the stairs whenever possible. From this point you can tweak and make adjustments to your routine to fit your personal style. The point is that you take control and create your day to support your well being and attainment of your goals.
What do you think about structuring your life and routine? Leave me a comment and let me know.