🦋 Top Four Tips on How to Start a Routine
I love social media - but sometimes it’s easy to get influenced into thinking that starting a new routine is easy.
Then, if we can’t jump right into the 6am, ten step morning routine, we might feel ashamed or less than and just quit altogether.
But it is possible! It just usually takes time, a lot of mistakes and pivoting.
These are the four top things I’ve learned in my journey to living in a way that reflects my values, my interests and my dreams.
💖 Don’t overwhelm yourself! Be realistic about what you can do. Yes, you may have the time to start 10 new habits all at once, but give yourself time and space to adjust. Build your confidence and trust in yourself by committing to something you know you can do and then grow from there!
💖 Lower the barrier to entry. Do whatever you can to make the habit as easy as possible for you to complete. This could be committing to running for five minutes - if that’s too much, reduce it to one minute. If that’s too much, make it a walk. If that’s too much, just put on your exercise outfit and step outside for a moment. Any progress, even if it seems small and insignificant is STILL progress.
💖 Reduce the amount of decision making needed to complete the habit. So many times I’ve said I’d eat healthier, but I don’t know what to make so I end up snacking instead. Or I don’t know what yoga class to go to, I procrastinate on deciding and then all the classes fill up! Take the time to decide on a few “go-to’s” - write it down in your notes app or on a whiteboard, just make sure it’s easily accessible. This makes it easier to not get distracted by the little things that pop up and use up your time and energy.
💖 DO IT FOR YOU!!! In such a productivity-driven culture where it’s easy to make comparisons, remember this is for your growth and development, and I hope, ultimately, happiness. But how can we be happy if the foundation is held together with shame, unworthiness or anxiety? Or we’re just doing something because we feel like it’s the ‘right’ or ‘best’ thing to do rather than doing something because it brings us joy, enrichment and peace?
#routinetips #habitbuilding #selfcareroutine #routine #routine #improveyourself #improveyourlife
Starting a new routine can indeed feel daunting, especially with the barrage of perfectly curated lifestyles on social media. However, it's essential to remember that the path to a better routine is a personal journey; what works for one may not work for another. Focus on integrating small, manageable changes that resonate with your life. For instance, instead of initiating ten new habits, choose just one or two to begin. This approach not only reduces overwhelm but also fosters a sense of achievement as you build confidence in your abilities. One effective method is to lower the barrier to entry for your new habits. This could mean setting a timer for just five minutes of exercise or preparing a simple meal instead of a complicated menu. Over time, these easy wins accumulate into something significant, paving the way for more challenging goals. Additionally, planning ahead alleviates decision fatigue; have meals prepped or activities scheduled so that you’re not pressured into last-minute decisions that can derail your routine. Remember, this journey is about you. Embrace the process and let it guide you towards a routine that genuinely enriches your life. Focus on personal satisfaction rather than societal expectations, and surround yourself with choices that bring you joy! Reflect on your progress regularly; this practice not only helps in reinforcing your commitment but also highlights your achievements. Your routine should be a source of empowerment and fulfillment, not a source of stress. Embrace the journey towards building a sustainable routine!