Reset Your Routine

Research has found that establishing a routine is crucial for both adults and children. Having a set of daily habits help you cope with change and reduce stress. Here are some tips to help get you started in rebooting your routine and rejuvenating your day!

Set your priorities

What are the things you want to accomplish? What needs to be done? List out things you enjoy and chores you dread. By identifying what you want to achieve and what you need to do, you are better able to plan and prioritize what needs to be done and when you will do them. 

Plan for success 

Once you've established your goals, purchase, and prepare what you need to get started. Not having the tools or resources required can become an excuse to procrastinate and put off what needs to be done. This only sets the cycle of waiting for "tomorrow" and delays forming the habits for your routine. 

Make it a date 

Schedule time to work on your goals. This could mean blocking out an hour every morning to write your book or scheduling your weekly weight-lifting routine. Write it in your calendar, just as you would when you create an appointment with someone else. Need extra accountability? Consider sharing your calendar with someone else. By simply stating your intentions out loud and telling others what you intend to do, you are more likely to stay with your commitment. 

Start smart

Begin the day with something that energizes you, then move into more challenging work. By starting your day with something you're excited to do, you'll have more energy to face the more difficult, less inspiring chores. If you're in a rut and struggling with a way to inspire your start, consider exploring a new walking or running routine. This might require you to drive a few minutes to a new destination, but the change of scenery could be just what you need to get going. 

Create before you consume

Avoid getting pulled into the noise and demands of other people's to-do lists by setting a rule to create before you consume. This could mean creating movement through exercise or creating something for your personal or professional life. Create something for your own self-development and growth before consuming the emails and social media updates of others. 

Track your progress

Find a way to monitor and track the progress you are making. Re-establishing routines and building healthy habits takes intention and daily discipline. To keep you on track, find a way to record your progress. Reflect on what is working and what needs to be modified. 

Reap your rewards

Once you've created a routine, find a way to reward your progress.