I know when I say the word ‘routines’, some people will balk. It feels like restrictions are being placed on us. I was one of those people. But what we don’t realize is …

1.) We all have routines in our day. The question is, do these routines support us? And 2.) Routines actually give us more freedom. The benefits of routines are greater than we think …

Frees up brain space: When we have routines in place we have less planning and decision making to do.

Ensures for a smooth day: Morning and evening routines will set us up so that we will be less likely to forget things and events. We will have less scrambling around looking for things and tying up loose ends when we’ve used our routines.

Increases self-care: Also, we will be less likely to neglect chores and our own self-care. If we have self-care (from simple things like flossing to more

This all sounds great … but we all know that sticking with new habits and routines is the hard part. Consider these suggestions:

Start small: make sure to not overwhelm yourself with lofty, multi-step routines. Start with micro-habits and short routines.

Be flexible: keep re-evaluating your routines - routines may need to be adjusted from time to time to fit our needs.

Be good to yourself: we are all human and will at times fall off our routines. Give yourself grace.

Use the buddy system: get support from a friend or family member. Help each other by giving encouragement, reminders or acting as a body double.

Anchor: attach your new habit to an existing part of your day to help you be consistent!

Be good to yourself … and re-start!

- Amanda