Build a no-shame routine

Routines are often misunderstood as the death of spontaneity, or where fun goes to die. Having a routine can actually help you to invite more choice into your life by freeing your mind from the thousands of small decisions you make each day, and allowing you to be in better touch with yourself.  

Routines can also bolster your emotional health in a big way. Following a routine adds supportive predictability into life which soothes anxiety and worry about the unknown. Setting up a routine for yourself is an excellent way to demonstrate care for yourself and to get clear on your priorities for well-being.  

Building Your Routine 

Start small.  

Think about one change you want to make in your day. Maybe it’s making room for something you want to do more often or adding in one new practice. Too many changes can be hard to sustain. Give yourself a chance to feel success!  

Focus on what helps you to feel well.  

Routines can conjure up ideas of being the “most productive” we can be, but building your routine by starting with a firm base of habits or rituals that help you to feel well creates a much firmer base for your emotional health. Maybe you have a hobby you enjoy or a friend you want to connect with more routinely.  

Not sure where to begin? 

If you’re not sure what makes you feel well, prioritize routine eating, sleeping, movement and social time and downtime to do whatever you choose. Looking to these things first and then making room for other tasks or responsibilities ensures that you are taken care of so you have the energy to tackle what needs to be done or evaluate if there are too many tasks or responsibilities right now.

Share your routine with others 

If you are making changes to a routine or establishing one in a new environment let the people you are living with know. Consider including them in some of the activities or plans you have or sharing what support or privacy you might need while you try out your new routine.  

What if I can’t stick with it?!  

Routines aren’t easy. If you get away from it for a few days or weeks it’s okay! Examine what made the routine hard to follow for you and use the information for your next plan. Rather than shaming yourself about how you couldn’t stick with it, encourage yourself gently with small changes.