the anti-routine
So, it’s been weeks ya’ll. And I’m here to tell you what threw me off. Routine. Two weeks ago, I went to South Carolina to visit my grandma and although I tried so hard to stay within my routine, it threw me off and right when I got back, I went to visit my parents in Wisconsin. Now, both trips were fun and worth it, but I didn’t realize how much I relied on my routine to get me through. When I got back, working out was harder, I was eating out and not cooking, I didn’t work on what I needed to, and therefore, I took a step back. This week has been hard, and it feels like I almost training myself again. So, what do I need to do? And how can I make sure this doesn’t happen again?
I like setting an alarm. I like waking up at the same time, so the time zone change threw me off and waking up later than usual really through me off. I always get done on myself about relaxing on the weekends, but I can relax while being awake because this aspect of my routine is essential. And I wake up energized. I used to hop out of bed and make a coffee and go for a drive till I wake up, but it didn’t feel very productive plus I was having bad anxiety in the morning. So, now, I replaced it with working out. And THIS is the most important step of my day. Working out changes everything. Once that’s done, I can relax, and I usually have a coffee and a spot of breakfast. Just before switching to getting ready mode, I always do a daily devotional and read a bit of the bible. I do this because spirituality drives me and even though I am Christian, I still like my tarot cards and crystals. But that’s for Sunday.
Before showering, I open the curtains in my house and crack some windows. Fresh air and natural light are an amazing addition to the morning. If you can’t get natural light, take some time to sit in front of a SAD lamp if you have one. After this, I make my bed and lay out my outfit for the day. I always have to find an outfit with the right energy to match my mood (which will change in an hour). That’s when I climb into the shower and transform myself for the day. I always do those extra steps if I have the energy. Like shaving your legs or exfoliating your skin. I try to stop thinking of it as annoying since it makes me feel so good. When I get out, lotion is a must, and then I put on my soft, red, sexy robe I got from Victoria’s Secret. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Relax. Spend your morning a robe. Until you’ve got to get dressed at least.
Start time is important. I try to plan out my day when I have breakfast, so I know what schedule to follow. Without a job, that’s somewhat difficult, but I hope that changes soon. Write out all your tasks and schedule time for them. Fill up your day. An idle mind… Some days I have to leave the house for the library or coffee shop but others I’m satisfied in my home office. Or in the kitchen with my new table and chairs (see in picture). It’s important to stay tuned in with yourself to decide which is best for you on that particular day. I struggle with the mood shifts that come with bipolar disorder, and I hate not doing the exact same thing each day, but you have to become friends with yourself. Tick off tasks as you get them done.
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING. As soon as you can, stop all tasks. Let yourself breath. Take the longest break. Watch those TikToks and put on that reality TV. Sometimes you have to just lay down and close your eyes for thirty minutes. Whatever you need. You did it. You completed the day. Now, the question is- what’s next? Don’t skip dinner because you don’t want to get up. Eat early if you have to but choose to do something that gives you warm and fuzzies. Sometimes I fall asleep on the couch at 6:30 and other times I stay up writing dozens of poems (sounds bipolar, huh?). It just depends on your mood. Before climbing into bed, I just have to lay out my work out outfit for the morning, and then I let myself sleep.
I’ve also found a planner called the anti-planner on TikTok (inspiring this blogs title) and I can’t stress enough how much you need to get it. Especially if you struggle getting things done.
I’ll try to stick to my routine and not disappear again. Until next time.
xoxo
