What You Need To Know About Creating A Routine

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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

Further reading

• How To Be Intentional And Take Care Of Yourself
• How To Create Healthy Habits With The Wellness Journal
• New Habits That Will Make You Happier
• Start The Day Right With The Best 10 Minute Yoga Videos
• The Best FREE Resources to Live a Healthy and Happy Life

Over to you

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