The Importance of Routine
If you've been following me for a while then you know that I am a creature of habit. In this post I showed you some of the tools that I use to stay organized and I also shared why I NEED routine.
Over time I've added new habits to my routines and I've let go of others that no longer served me. Recently, while listening to The One You Feed podcast, I learned a new and simple way to add new habits to your days! And now that we're spending so much time at home, it's a great time to start.
To start off tiny is the key.
Last year, I wanted to drink more water through the day. I had a collection water bottles I purchased convinced that their cute designs would compel me to carry them everywhere and therefore drink more water. Instead, they sat in my cupboard collecting dust. After listening to this episode I started to fill up my bottle and leave it on my desk by the door. Behold, my daily water drinking habit began.
Another habit I wanted to incorporate into my day was making space to be creative. I started to leave my camera somewhere visible as well as my watercolors and sketch book. Seeing those tools motivated me to pick them up and get to it.
Some habits are more than just part of a routine. Some habits I like to call rituals. One ritual that as a Christian I am still working on developing is that of a daily devotional. This one is more than just a habit, for me it is valuable time spent connecting and learning from the one who created me. I say still learning to develop because I fall off the wagon often. Does that happen to you friend?
Meditation is also essential. I am a very anxious person and I overthink and over play everything in my mind and when I meditate it helps calm the noise in my brain and give me peace. My form of mediation is prayer. Talking to the Big Guy helps me find my center and see things in a different perspective.
Routines give structure to our lives. Having a routine can give us a sense of stability and continuity amidst the ever-changing, hectic, and often chaotic world in which we live. Rituals engender a sense of healing calm and a feeling of trust in life's flow and forward movement.
What's a habit or ritual that you're trying to start today? I'd love to help you figure out some ways to incorporate them into your day! Contact me at kedgre@gmail.com to set up some time to talk.
Have you started some new habit recently? Tell me about it in the comments below!