Daily Routines
How many of us function by routine? From getting out of bed in the morning to brushing our teeth and having that first cup of caffeine, we all have a routine of sorts. So what happens if your routine is disrupted? The alarm clock does not sound off as planned and you get up late. Now you are rushed. All you can think about is, “I’m late. I’m late. I’m late for a very important date.” Or something like that.
You rush around trying to play catch up. You are so rushed that you spill the coffee and now you have to make more. Now you are running even more late. You begin to stress about being late. Now your mood is affected. You snap an answer to anyone who dares interrupt your ‘late’ thoughts.
Your entire day is now going straight down the tubes because you woke up late. Really…?
Maybe, just maybe it is not the fact that the alarm did not wake you that your day is going down the tubes. Maybe it is your reaction that is causing the day to get progressively worse. Some of us are so programmed by our routine that we cannot handle any disruptions to it.
You eat dinner at 7 pm period. What happens if you don’t eat dinner at 7 pm? Is the world going to end, or just your reaction to the change will not be good? What happens if you have to wait on the coffee to brew instead of it being ready for you to pour as soon as you reach the pot? Someone moved your shoes to the other side of the entryway so they are not in their regular place. How are you going to handle this?
These things sound outrageous don’t they? When you actually say them or write them down, yes. But many people live by their routine and have a difficult time handling changes to it. I am the first to admit that I have a routine in the morning. For me it’s a matter of helping me to remember stuff. For example: First thing in the morning I come in to the kitchen, grab the bottle of meds for the dog and sit it on the counter (this way I know she has not had it yet today), and then turn the coffeemaker on to brew the coffee. I leave the kitchen to let the coffee brew and go straight to my desk. I move my morning meds from the left side of the computer to the right side, this way I know I have not taken them yet today. And so the day goes…
Can I function without a routine? Yes. Is it easier with a routine? Most Definitely Yes. Does it affect my mood? Sometimes. For me the routine helps me remember what I need to do. If the routine is disrupted, I am more likely to forget something important. If I forget something important, I am not happy about it.
How about you? Do you have a routine that helps you through your day? What happens when that routine is disrupted? Do you have any apps that help you manage your day?
Yes I like a routine but I can quickly get bored with it also. So I don't mind if my routine goes out the window sometimes just to see how I will deal with it. When my routine goes out the window I slow down to make sure I am still doing the things I need to and to enjoy a new way of doing things.
I hear you. Sometimes I like to change things up a bit for the same reason. See how I handle things and perhaps gain a new perspective. Can I still remember to do all the necessary things if I don't do them in the same order. 🙂
Yes I definitely have routines, particularly in the morning. If I disrupt them, then I do tend to forget to do things, some of which don't matter – but others, like taking meds, are a bit more crucial. We are all creatures of habit and I think it just gives us a bit of a grounding. But I'm open to changing them too. Being too focused on them can be counterproductive. I do use apps that set alarms for things I need to remember. Much better than scraps of paper that get ignored. Good topic. Thanks.
I'm still waiting for you to take me up on making the "Track My Life" app. 🙂 That would really help me.
Anyways, I am totally not wired like this and I will tell you, I know it causes me problems. I too often am flying by the seat of my pants and don't know where my head is half the time. I should probably balance out a little and get more scheduled. 🙂 Not till I get my "Track My Life" app though. LOL!