I've been thinking about my own (current lack of) routines and talking with clients about theirs. This is often a topic when seasons change or bigger routines change (end of semester, holidays, and the like).

If we have them, we will fall out of them.

Some of us resist them.

Many of us thrive with them.

And sticking with them is often easier said than done.

A perfect storm of things in March and April really threw me off my routine. Covid. A work trip. Dreary cloudy weather. All got me thrown off my routine. Or I threw myself off. Some legit reasons that cause us to ebb and flow, like getting sick. Other reasons are just excuses and self-sabotage like continuously sleeping through alarms and snoozes.

Without my routines, I was feeling a little rudderless in the storm that was March and April.

Now I know routine is one of the words that bring up a lot of reactions, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Here are some that I've learned over the years of working with myself and others. ⁠

Routines support greater productivity when focused, single-tasked, and designed around your needs, motivation, and process.
Old routines may occasionally override new routines unless you have a strategy for staying committed and consistent with the new ones. Getting really clear about the why behind the new routine and its impact on your life can help with this.
Routines can create greater freedom and spaciousness when they are value-aligned with supportive boundaries.
Each season often brings with it new routines. Adjusting to this instead of fighting it is generally a bit easier.
Sometimes changing the word from ‘routine’ to ‘ritual’ is enough to shift the vibe and intention into something nourishing for folks.

At the end of April, I was able to ease my way back into my routines, starting with my mornings. (This was easier as the sun was rising earlier and spring gained its footing.) Self-compassion and acceptance reminded me it isn’t helpful to judge myself harshly when my routines get off track. Instead, adding back a couple doable pieces for a few days is a good place to start. Then when that feels stable, I add in another or expand the time. ⁠

Truth is, we all have routines, whether they are helpful to our wellbeing and goals or not. I had slipped back into an unhelpful one of not getting up with my alarm and not writing daily morning pages.

So here I am, with crazy bed hair morning hair in all. Instead of going right at my ideal–in that self-sabotaging all or nothing way–I am:

✅ getting up with my alarm (no more 30 minutes of snooze)⁠

✅ minimum of 5 minutes of yogic stretches ⁠

✅ 10 minutes of morning pages writing⁠

✅ coffee making⁠

✅ connection time with my loves⁠

The first morning I got back to this routine, I was immediately reminded how much this works for me and how it shapes my day. ⁠It felt calming.

⁠

Routines don't have to be yucky or restricting. You just need to create one that fits your needs, values, goals, and time without trying to overing it. ⁠

And follow the seasonal shifts - each one brings about a different rhythm.

What routines are supporting you right now? Where do you want to add something small to your routines to better support yourself?

P.S. In my new workshop, you’ll discover the routines and rhythms that will support you and lead to the restoration and rejuvenation you deserve this summer. Sign-up here: https://tamarayakaboskiphd.as.me/summer.