Hello old friends, it's been a while since my last post. I've had lots to ponder and many things have run through my mind as I've been living the past few months. I honestly haven't had the time to jot it all down until now. Mind you now is not a ideal time either. I just landed from a long day of travel and being out of town for a few days - which seems to be the norm now. But I figured it was now or never, and since the topic is routine, let's hope I can cultivate one for myself tomorrow morning.
I've written about routine while I was traveling abroad for 90 days. For me, it is so so important, and one of the things we often overlook. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good unplanned event or surprise, but the uncertainty of not knowing how or where you are starting out your day or when you'll end it can start to unravel you in ways you can't imagine. This I find to be especially true when it's more than one day. The one thing I longed for most while I was trekking around the globe -- well I mean I had a desire and need for a lot of things -- BUT routine was something that I didn't have for 90 days. Of course I tried to create it as best I could, but most often we have to just roll with the punches - sometimes literally. Im finding myself stuck in this same situation again. Work has me traveling every week, sometimes to the same familiar places, other times to a new frontier. That's all gravy and exciting, especially when I can discover an amazing yoga studio or coffee shop that has that artsy local vibe I love. But more often than not, this causes me to feel stressed and tired. Maybe some of you can relate. Let's dig a little deeper.
Let's kick it back to why routines are important. We often think of them for children, but they matter just as much to adults as they do for the minis. Routines are an important part of any one's life because they help us to develop a sense of stability and order. When things are predictable—when the same things happen in a certain order at a certain time of day—we are reassured that the world is a safe place in which we can continue on our way. When this does not happen a few different things start to occur.
- We become less efficient in life and all things
- Lack proper motivation
- Create more work or effort than needed
- Creates bad habits ... I'm pretty sure chocolate croissants every day for brekkie is one of those
- Lose sense of our universal order
- Priorities go out the window
- Creates stress
- Guilt around actions or decisions ... not getting to yoga or working out
- Negligence as a whole to yourself and others
Those are just a few things that I personally experience, and lately it's been every DAMN week. I am at a loss because I can see it all coming but it's hard to break the rhythm we find ourselves falling into each week. So here are a few tips I've started to incorporate to keep the sanity! These are not just ideas while traveling, but things you can start to do everyday.
- Fixed wake up and bedtime. This is important because our body automatically understands when to wake and when to rest. This goes a long way in your energy levels and in how your body functions.
- 15 minutes for you. Sometimes I throw on a meditation podcast, or listen to a playlist of soothing sounds. Other times it's a few sun salutations. Whatever it is, just do you - and what you need in that moment.
- Set reminders. If you get wrapped up along the way a reminder to call a friend on their birthday, or to check in at home are all good things to get into the habit of doing. This way you won't have that "Oh, Shit" moment when you neglect to call your bestie, beau, or mamma.
- Research. I often will look in advance to see where yoga studios are located or a spot for groceries or coffee. This way I know that while I can't have all the things, there are a few quick wins I look forward to. When I'm local, I sign up in advance for yoga or spin classes so that I commit to myself (virtually) and it's set in my calendar as something I am doing that day.
- Breathe. Lots and often. We are so quick to lose our patience when our days start to go in a direction that is unplanned. So breathe as much as you can, as calmly as you can. Did you know that deep full breaths actually help to calm our nervous system? So when you're in a panic, or feeling like chicken little -- just breathe.
Anyways folks, it' a new day. Yes, I had to pause to sleep mid-post last night because my vision started to blur, and to be honest, I really needed to re-read and proof check my grammar. But it's FRIDAY and the weekend is upon us! I've already started my day in my usual way. Homemade french press, checked my work emails. Scheduled my yoga class for later. Even those few things will go a long way to ensure that I have a great day. I hope you do too. Love + Light, xx.
PS >> A very talented friend, Stephen Parato also recently wrote about routines and the importance of them. Read a small snippet from the Mindful Morning Journal and browse other great pieces on the his blog + Feelin' Good, Feelin' Great.