Routine (noun)
rü-ˌtēn.
- A regular course of procedure.
- Habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure.
This is how Merriam-Webster defines “routine.” It sounds easy enough, but if you’re struggling to find your groove as we all work to accept new norms, you’re not alone. We crave routines, but all too often there are obstacles which get in the way of figuring out what works for us. Ugh!
Now that we’re eight weeks into distance learning, social distancing, and working from home, people are starting to give up on their daily routines… and there are healthy parts of that, but you don’t want let your routine slide too far off the rails. With that, let’s redefine our routines and find what works, instead of having it become something you work for… and give up on.
First, think about and take an inventory of your existing routines, habits and preferences. Specifically:
- When do you work best? When does your kid work best?
- Where do you thrive?
- What do you do naturally?
- How do you cope?
- What is working?
- What distracts you?
Next, use your answers determine what a successful routine looks like for you. If you’re the most comfortable and can be productive working from your bed, do it! Don’t be afraid to break the rules. And try new ways to solve what isn’t working.
Think of what works for you and use it as the building blocks of your routine. You want something that will work forever… A lifestyle instead of something you struggle to maintain for only a couple of weeks.
Finally, don’t forget the rewards. If you’re able to stick to your routine, or even just a portion of it, reward yourself. Create a list of social, emotional, physical as motivators for coping and reward yourself when you’ve reached your goals!
If creating a routine you can stick to was easy, there would not be countless shelves of books written about it. There wouldn’t be an industry for service professional such as trainers and life coaches, who specialize in helping folks bring meaningful change to their lives.
If you need help setting a routine or determining what works best for you and the learners in your home, please let me know. We can work together through three or four 45-minute sessions to get you on the right track to feeling self-aware and self-satisfied. I’ve participated in trainings specifically designed to help people remove obstacles in order to achieve their personal goals and I’d love to help you!
Most of all, take care of yourself. Remember, self-care is not selfish.
We will get through this together!
Cara Thorpe
Founder & Visionary
Yellow Parachute Learning Partners
www.yellowparachute.com
612-361-7266
