The Self Nurtured TeacherTM
The Self Nurtured TeacherTM
Some people have established routines that guide them while others bok at the thought of a predictable routine. Here’s the thing, routines can fit each person whether that is strict and structured throughout the day, or small, simple routines when you need them. There are many benefits to having routines, so even if you typically don’t thrive with the uber strict routines, finding a few that work for you will support you, especially in times of uncertainty or stress (which happens all the time in life).
Routines are put in place to help you meet any number of your goals or aspirations. For instance, wanting to get more movement in? Creating a routine where you go for a walk after eating dinner. Without the routine, you may not get the movement in because when left to chance, few people have the discipline to follow through.
Still not convinced? Let’s talk about the benefits of having a routine(s).
Having consistent routines can:
In fact, a study showed that people with routines can better manage stress and reduce anxiety.
First and foremost, finding something that works for you is key. Not all routines work for everyone and since the point is to create something effective for your daily life, making it work for you matters. That being said, Let’s take a look at how to fit in some simple starting routines.
I like to use this analogy when creating schedules and routines. Imagine 2 book shelves. 1 is completely in disarray with no rhyme or reason. The other is set up with 2 book ends (nothing fancy) that contains the books housed on that shelf. The first shelf screams chaos and disorder. The second structure and calm. Even if the second shelf has some falling out of the books, the bookends are there to pu it back in place.
Now translate that to your day/schedule. Having book end routines aka: morning and evening, will help to hold the rest of your day together. When we don’t have morning or evening routines, it becomes difficult to know when and where you’re starting. Where is the day going? When does the day end? Even if parts of the day go off the rails, you know you have routines to bring it together again instead of morphing into 1 big unstructured ball of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety.
If you generally feel out of control, building in routines and habits during the times you DO have control will give you some predicitabilty that aids in feeling in control. Create routines that give some structure and predictability. Of course things come up, however if your routine is built on the tasks you do, you can adjust when they happen. For example, if waking up, stretching, getting ready, then breakfast is your routine, that order can be done whether at 5:30am or 7:00am. Focusing on the order helps in feeling organized and accomplished.
Not all routines need to take large amounts of time. For instance, building in 1 minute self care options like breathing can help reset and recharge during the day. Saying an affirmation everytine you are in front of the bathroom mirror. Sending a text to someone to connect. Start looking at self care from the lens of all the small things you do for yourelf and others that add up to feeling a sense of self worth and nurturing habits for longevity.
Building a routine becomes easier when you anchor a new part of the routine to something you’re already doing. Your success rate increases dramatically when you do this. Here are some examples:
These are a few examples, and ultimately it depends on what YOU want to include in your routine and what YOU are already doing. There is no 1 way to do a routine or to accomplish self care. It’s different for everyone, so embrace your version. If it gives you less stress, awesome. If not, then tweak it and keep trying. This is a process, not a final result.
When you’re in the thick of your schedule, stress, overwhelm, guilt, etc it can be challenging to determine how to start, not to mention what it looks like to continue. Working with someone that is skilled in planning, systems, and using their own experiences is worth the time and investment. Ask yourself what it’s worth to be able to create simple routines that support you to be more productive at work, happier in general, and knowing that you have harmony between work and life? What’s the cost of continuing to do things the same way you’ve always done them? Stress, negative self image, disease, overweight, etc? Join my FREE 7-Day Self Care Challenge for support and accountability with a certified life coach that’s been where you are.
