ORIGINALLY posted on a (now defunct) blog titled The Joy of Daily Living
Photo from comatosed on flickr.com
Lately I have had routines on the brain. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and two books (and countless websites) I’ve read give strict instructions to make a routine and stick to it. I was given this advice over a year ago when I struggled with chronic migraines, but I didn’t follow it very well. What can I say? I work from home! The temptation to indulge in whim and spontaneity is too great!
That said, the jig is up, and I need a routine. It’s time. Is anyone out there thinking the same thing? Not only are routines good for people with a variety of health ailments, they can also help people become more successful. Lately I’ve been having “Get a routine!” signs coming at me from all directions!
First I came across Daily Routines, a blog highlighting the routines of “writers, artists, and other interesting people.” (If you think you’d rather read about the routines of successful CEOs, click here.) Next I came across Martha Stewart’s lovely routine in Martha Stewart Living Magazine. (I cannot find the article online, but Martha drinks green juice and exercises daily!) Finally, Gala Darling wrote that her routine has been thrown off lately, and followed up with tips on how to establish a “fabulous” routine.
So…what is your daily routine? How did you develop it? What would you like to change?
Lifehack has some pretty good advice on making habits stick. In developing my new routine, I’m going to follow a lot of their tips. I’ll be consistent by sticking to my routine (at least within an hour or two) on the weekends too. I’ll enlist the help of others by working out with people who can hold me accountable, instead of going at it alone. That said…
Starting February 1st, this is my routine:
7-7:30 am: wake up (yes, sometimes it takes me a while!)
next 15 minutes: silence/meditation/prayer
next 10-15 minutes: walk the dogs
next 10-15 minutes: make green juice
8-9 am: check email/voicemail. write daily work goals. begin work.
9:15 am: exercise! yoga classes 2 days/week, weights 2 days/week, low impact walking or bicycling 3 days/week
after exercise: back to work, with food breaks around 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30
4:30-5:30 pm: call it quittin’ time!
after work: eat dinner and spend 20-30 minutes doing some easy exercise, such as walking the dogs.
6:30 – 9:30 pm: free time! time to see my boyfriend, friends, write blog posts, or attend community events.
9:30 – 11 pm: shower (doing this at night eases my muscle pain and helps me sleep–another tip I learned from fibromyalgia books), read in bed, 15 minutes of silence/meditation/prayer
11 pm: lights out
Can I do it?? I hope so! This will be the most regimented my life has ever been, but I know it’s for the better! & after a month or two, if I’m feeling better, I might be able to give myself some wiggle room.
Even if you don’t want your life to be this scheduled, I’m sure there are some daily habits you’d like to pick up. Exercising, flossing, working on that novel that’s waiting to burst forth…whatever your hope is for your own routine, share it in the comments!
I can’t believe you decided to write about this!! I’ve been formulating a new routine for myself that I plan to start tomorrow!!! My goal is to be more productive and feel more energized/focused throughout the day. My new routine involves getting up earlier, exercising every morning, and eating more frequently throughout the day (and eating healthier food). We’ll see how it goes. Good luck with your new routine!!
Good timing!
Maybe we can be cheerleaders for each other and keep ourselves on schedule. Apparently after 30 days of doing something it is a habit, so the first 30 days will be the most difficult. Good luck!
Wow — what a great goal! I wish I could make myself stick to a routine — I have serious spontaneity and whim issues.
Yes, there is something to be said for doing whatever you want whenever you want, though I’m trying to learn the benefits of discipline and routine.