Are you creating a routine? here is everything you need to know before you start. Read the full article on www.HelloPeacefulMind.com

What You Need To Know About Creating A Routine

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Are you creating a routine? here is everything you need to know before you start. Read the full article on www.HelloPeacefulMind.com

It took me years to finally get to a routine that I felt comfortable with. It was hard to find time for my full-time job, Hello Peaceful Mind, and my wellbeing.

After being diagnosed with moderate major depression and anxiety, I realized that it was important to be more active and eat healthier. But the truth is that it’s difficult to manage it all and keep a social life. I mean socialization is also a key element in fighting depression.

But finally I had it all figure it out:

  • Working on my blog in the morning before going to work
  • Leaving the house at 9 am to avoid traffic and work until 7 pm
  • Go to the gym at work: Barre on Tuesday and Thursday, Zumba on Wednesday
  • 20 min walk during lunch break, 15 min walk during the afternoon break
  • Be mindful of my food choice, look at the menu before going to the cafeteria

And then, my contract could no longer be renewed so I had to leave my job.

At first, I was excited because since I moved to the USA seven years ago, I barely had any vacations. So I started to think about what I wanted to do with my days and wrote 5 Things To Include In Your Routine When You Work From Home.

But the truth is that I’ve struggled with my new routine. I’m having trouble sleeping, I’m being lazy to go to the gym and work on my blog, I postponed coffee dates with friends and I watched a lot of Japanese and Korean TV shows. (My current obsession :D)

It’s hard but I don’t give up.

Which made me think of I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz. I challenge you to listen to this song and think about your journey into becoming a better and happier person.

Here is the truth about creating a routine

  1. It’s overwhelming

    When you start your routine from the beginning it can become overwhelming. I personally felt lost, all of my habits had to be re-done, and I didn’t know where to start.

    This is why I think it’s important to work on one thing at a time. For example, I started with the gym, then the food, … Next, I want to get out of the house more, probably by working in coffee shops in the area.

  2. It won’t work at the beginning

    Today, we are expecting to see results right away on any projects. But the truth that before you find a routine that works for you, you will have to try many things.

    You might find out that you are more productive in the evening than the morning, maybe Zumba is not for you but tap dance is (which is the case of one of my friends ;)), …

    Don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t work for you, just cross it off and try something else 🙂 Ant remember that you are getting closer to your ultimate routine!

  3. It takes time

    Reality is that it will take months or years to create a routine that works with your lifestyle.

    Think about it, you need time to try new things and make sure that they work for you, and do it again until you are satisfied with your routine.

  4. What works for others might not work for you

    On this blog, you find tips and tricks that are working for me, but it might be different for you.

    For example, in a recent interview, I talked about the fact that my router disconnects the internet from my TV, Chromecast, and computer at 9:30 pm to force me to disconnect.

    But then a few people commented that with kids it was their only time to connect online.

    Which is okay, what works for you might be different than what works for me 😉

  5. It will change

    Once you have a set routine, you need to be aware that it will change at some point. Sometimes just a bit and sometimes you will have to start all over.

    This can be for any reason, maybe your doctor wants you to change your diet or exercise more, maybe you are going to have a kid or your kids are going to be off to college.

    Remember that it’s okay, and just focus on one thing at a time!

 

Save for later

Discover what it takes to create a routine on www.HelloPeacefulMind.com

Further reading

Over to you

When was the last time you had to start your routine all over?

Julie

mrs.julie.voss@gmail.com

Julie was diagnosed with anxiety and depression during the summer of 2016 and have since been fighting mental health stigmas by bringing awareness on the subject and sharing tips to help people become happier. Read Julie’s inspiring story, “My Journey Into Acknowledging The Depression.” Feel free to send a message to Julie here.

2 Comments
  • TigerEyes

    April 19, 2018 at 8:57 am Reply

    Great article and so true. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

  • Jerindi

    April 22, 2018 at 6:42 am Reply

    Julie, I love your honesty, thank you for sharing. It’s been tougher & tougher for me to set a routine over the years. Maybe because I live & work abroad in completely different cultures to my own. 2 developing countries in last 6 years. Imagine all the variables to contend with … I agree with you, it helps to focus on 1 or 2 things at a time & to prioritize others. I got really run down recently & started experiencing a myriad of infections so it made me realize I need to eat 7-10 serves of fruit & veg a day. I also try to do 5000 or more steps a day which moves out of the inactive zone. Sounds simple yet it’s working for me because it’s uncomplicated. I’m achieving this & it helps me feel productive & positive about myself. I also prioritize my teaching work & on-line study time. I found your post on 10 min of yoga in the morning so I’m gonna try that too. 10min is not a big ask so let’s see how it goes. I will let you know how it goes. Hugs for you

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