I was recently talking to a group of blogging friends about trying to get into a routine. It was around the same time I went looking for some guest posts for during my vacation. One of my friends, Megan, offered to write me an entire post about why routines are important and some steps you can take to get into a routine. I’m sharing this post with you today and then I’m going to be implementing some of her steps when I return to California next week. I hope you enjoy her tips as much as I do!
Do you find yourself feeling unmotivated? Listless? Just plain blah?
Me too.
It’s something that a lot of women struggle with. For me, I’ve come to realize that I feel unmotivated and lethargic when I don’t have an established routine.
But here’s the thing… I’m a free spirit.
I can’t be tamed. Routine?
Ha! I mock your routines and I instead establish chaos.
And then I’m depressed, and tired and unmotivated and sad because I haven’t accomplished anything due to extreme laziness.
Let’s talk about why routines matter, how to create a routine that works for you, and a couple of neglected concepts that are must-haves for a successful routine.
Why Routines Matter
Are you a free spirit like me? Do you kind of just do whatever you want whenever you feel like it? Maybe you’re fortunate enough to work from home or go to school online, thus allowing for a bit of a flexible schedule!
That’s awesome! Good for you!
But I’m guessing that you probably have a hard time sticking to a routine, otherwise you probably wouldn’t have made it this far into this post.
Yes? Okay, me too. This is a judgement free zone. We struggle with routines, and we know it.
Do we really need them?
Yes and no. But mostly yes, and here’s why: routines offer stability in a world that is a nonstop roller coaster of uncertainty. Don’t get me wrong! I love spontaneity as much as the lady. But a routine provides certainty and stability.
And stability is critical to feeling balanced and content with yourself and your surroundings.
See where I’m going with this? If you’re feeling like you’re on a bit of a rollercoaster, maybe it’s time to set up a routine that provides you with the balance and stability you are searching for.
Ready?
Let’s do this!
Creating A Routine
Again, if you’re a bit of a free spirit, creating a routine is going to feel foreign and weird and kind of mushy and not at all normal.
Here’s your first step: Identify what you want to accomplish.
What is your purpose for setting a routine? Do you want to be more productive? Do you want to feel more balanced?
Regardless of what your main goal is, it’s better to take baby steps in starting a routine that works for you.
Most people try to schedule their routine out far in advance, and then feel unaccomplished when they are unable to stick to that routine.
I’m here to tell you that creating a routine that exudes simplicity is going to be much easier to stick to than something that is jam packed with tons of objectives.
Here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to get a cute little planner from Target or Barnes & Noble or HomeGoods or whatever. You’re also gonna get some super awesome pens that write really well.
Annnnnd you’ve taken the first step to creating a routine.
Next, I want you to identify your Must Do’s & Want To’s. Must Do’s include your work schedule, family schedule, and any appointments or obligations you must adhere to.
Your Want To’s are the things you want to incorporate into your routine. These could be girl’s nights or date nights, gym sessions, maybe even a day to sleep in!
Write alllll of these down in that cute little planner you picked up. And those pens you picked up? Yeah, color code that bad boy. You know you want to.
Don’t Forget To Include These!
Here’s a little pro tip for you: you need to schedule in some You Do You time. These are different from the Must Do’s and the Want To’s. These are specifically dedicated to You.
You do what you want to do.
These You Do You’s are not up for objection: You need to schedule at least 1 You Do You Hour per week; maybe more depending on your schedule flexibility and your current stress level.
A You Do You session should include an activity that allows you to reflect and relax. Maybe a detox bath with some essential oils and a good book?
Or a retox bath with some essential oils and a glass of wine?
You do you, honey. You deserve it.
Just promise me that you will take some time for yourself and feel comfortable doing so. Okay?
As women, we often forget to (or purposely put off) “us” time; time for ourselves to take a break from all of the shenanigans of real life and focus on ourselves.
And that’s just plain old bananas if you ask me. We need some You Do You sessions. I need some You Do You sessions. You need some You Do You sessions.
So make like Nike, and just do it.
Thanks so much to Pam for letting me take over the blog today and chat about routines! Let me know if you have any other helpful routine tips and tricks to share. I’d love to hear about how you stay balanced and scheduled in our roller coaster world.
Oh, and don’t forget to pin this to your healthy living and wellness boards on Pinterest. I’m sure your followers would really benefit from this whole You Do You concept I’ve created. What do you think?
