Creating and sticking to a consistent routine is much harder than it seems.
There’s plenty of advice out there suggesting that if you can just get a solid routine in place, other aspects of your life will become much easier.
For example, a morning routine filled with self care practices, exercise, and a healthy breakfast will surely help you jump start your day in a positive way, there’s no denying that.
But the problem with routines is that they are not always something we can stick to 24/7, every day of the week, every day of the month.
It’s inevitable that we encounter distractions, obstacles, and life events that will throw us off track. However, just because we fall off track doesn’t mean we have to stay there.
Speaking from personal experience, I recently fell off track. My morning routine is practically non-existent and my day as a whole lacks the structure that I know I benefit from.
As someone who works from home, routines are absolutely vital to my success - so what do I do when I have no routine, no structure, and no healthy habits in place?
I know how good it feels to have a routine that works for you, I’ve done it for years! But I want this to be your reminder that having a routine and never falling off track isn’t realistic - in fact, I can guarantee you’ll fall off track at least for a moment (even if it’s only a second!)
Luckily, there are some things we can do to help push ourselves back on the right track, and I wanted to share what I’m doing with you in hopes that it inspires you to jump back on your routine too.
1. Switch it up and create a new routine.
One of the best tips I have for getting back into a routine is to switch it up.
Sometimes we need a little extra excitement in our days to make them more appealing, so I would encourage you to do just that!
If you normally start your day off with reading, try going for a walk instead. If you regularly wake up at 6AM, try setting your alarm for 5AM or 7AM.
2. Find convincing ways to hold yourself accountable.
This part is hard for me, I’ll admit it. Truthfully, I think it’s hard for everyone! Holding yourself accountable is not an easy thing to do, but it’s an extremely vital part of getting back onto a routine.
Try starting with identifying something you know and love. Maybe that’s a TV show, shopping, working out, etc. Whatever you have a passion for, use it as your motivator.
You’ve heard of the carrot on a stick saying? Where you hold a carrot on a stick and continue moving it as a motivator. Well, go ahead and try this out on yourself.
For example, my guilty pleasure is reality TV - it’s mindless entertainment that can be super enjoyable for me (LOL). So, as a reward, I would say that I cannot watch TV until I finish my night routine.
Suddenly, doing a quick workout, knocking out my skincare, and doing some laundry seems like just a stepping stone to getting what I want.
(Note: you’ll have to have some self discipline for this one, so if you think you might slip up, ask a friend to help you out! Which leads me to #3...)
3. Don’t do it alone.
A big mistake we make when trying to get back into a routine is trying to do it alone.
If you want to get back into a routine of working out every day, schedule a walk or class with a friend. This will force you to keep that commitment, and eventually, it’ll get easier.
Want to wake up earlier? Ask someone to coffee in the AM before work. People can be great motivators, and if you’re close to them, they’ll want you to succeed as much as you do.
I really hope that these quick tips help get you back on track as you work on your routine. And if it helps, know that I’m in the same boat right now, so we’ll figure this out together. Till next time! :)
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