I’ve always been one to stick to a routine; a creature of habit, if you will. I blame that largely on my fear of change. I’ve gotten used to the routine that plays on a never-ending loop in my life—wake up, school, eat, work, repeat. What this fear of change has led me to is the creation of a routine that doesn’t allow me to come up for air at times.
However, I have also grown to appreciate this simple lifestyle (that might just be the introvert in me talking). There’s a beauty in finding peace in time alone and your routine, but don’t mistake that for a routine that makes work and relaxing interchangeable. This has been a hard pill for me to swallow. I have found comfort in my routine, so much so that I didn’t realize when it has caused me to lose self-care, forget to take breaks or avoid taking time outside of my routine for myself. The habits I partake in every day also cause some of the stressors in my life. As I learn how to embrace a changing routine, I’ve discovered tips that I hope can help those of you who also find it hard to decipher between habits that are healthy or hindering.
Setting aside days for a pick-me-up
As much as I love being a creature of habit, I also love having things to look forward to. Remember in high school when Fridays were the peak of our happiness? It’s because we knew the weekend was upon us and it would be a break in our regularly scheduled programming of school from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. I miss having a Friday to look forward to. So, I have set aside days or occasions that are my own personal Fridays. For me, it is one day a week when I walk to the Starbucks across the street or go on a much-needed Marshalls trip. If you find those Fridays in your life, it makes the days that seem repetitive more bearable. They give you a chance to breathe even if they do just come in a form of an overpriced grande iced shaken espresso.
listening to your body
I knew I was making stressful habits a habit when every day, around three-o-clock, I would hit a slump. Your body will let you know when it needs rest. Take a nap, take a shower, read a book or rewatch Gossip Girl for the 100th time. Whatever it may be, take a break because you deserve it. Your routine isn’t disrupted when you take a moment for yourself. The work is still going to be there when you open the laptop, school is still going to exist the next day and you will still have the same routine if you choose to keep it, so take those breaks! My lack of taking breaks and not listening to my body caused me to be sick of the routine I had created for myself. When you don’t listen to your body, things you once enjoyed might become dreadful or redundant.
I enjoy living a simpler life. I don’t mind that I spend the majority of my days at home, as long as I have those pick-me-ups to look forward to or those breaks that are much-needed. The line between helpful and stressful habits becomes blurry when the habits that are making you stressed were once things you enjoyed. Listen to your body when it is telling you your habits are no longer healthy. As much as I need to learn this for myself, it is okay for things to change. It is human nature after all!
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