Routine isn’t a dirty word

As you start this week, don’t forget the cousin to just-do-the-thing-in-front-of-you. It’s called The Routine. Some people love them, some people hate them. Me? I’m somewhere in the middle.

There are times when the thought of routine gives me hives, because I do thrive on change and new situations. I see the adventure in the curve ball. But if I’m really honest, I know the majority of my days depend on a routine, and for that, I’m grateful they exist.

So as you focus on the present, the things right in front of you asking for attention, notice how they might actually be part of your routine already, a natural rhythm your life organically follows. And then call it what it is—a much-needed routine to your day. Do you have the courage to start the habit of a regular morning routine? Or maybe an evening routine? Mid-day, when the kids are napping or when brain fog naturally hits?

Look at your day, and notice its patterns. Then call it “a routine,” and see how the rest of your week feels if you make the effort to follow that routine every day. Shower, make the bed, coffee, journal, gratitude list could be a perfectly reasonable morning routine. (I find about five things comprise a routine.) Cup of tea, clean the kitchen, brain dump for tomorrow, take vitamins, and free reading could be evening. You get the idea.

So as you start this week, notice your natural patterns, and don’t be afraid of adding routine to your life. It might be just the thing you need to keep your feet on the ground when life calls out in a million different directions. It’ll help you feel more in control of your day.

(Psst… I talk about adding a morning and evening routine to your days in One Bite at a Time, if you’re curious.)

Do you have any sort of routine to your day?