Hey there reader,
My oldest teenage daughter said something to me that got me thinking the other day. She said that I live by too many rules.
- I don't eat past 7:00 pm.
- I go to sleep no later than 9:30 pm.
- I'm up by 5:30 am (even on the weekends).
- I get on the treadmill by 6:30 am during the week.
- I make food for the week every Sunday and live by my calendar.
Ummmm, isn't this what my whole blog's about? Ha!
Well, I thought about what she said, and here are my thoughts and how I responded.
I don't consider waking up with a plan every day to be "rules." I like to think of it as a routine or habit.
Not to say I don't veer from the routine because I do, but over the years, I've learned that I'm a goal-oriented person stuck in a lazy person's body 👈 this!
It's the truth. If I don't stay intentional with my time, I can easily get sucked into the couch. I know this about myself.
Years ago, I wanted something different, so I started to do something different.
Instead of wasting time on doing nothing, I started to create routines that made sure I kept the needle moving forward on my personal and professional goals.
So when I do have time to relax, I can, in fact, truly relax.
I don't know about you, but I find it hard to enjoy a good TV marathon when the kitchen is a disaster and laundry is piled up. I also know I feel 100% better when I prepare meals and exercise regularly.
I need routines in place in my busy life so everything I want to accomplish can get done.
Make sense?
A routine keeps me focused on what I need and want to prioritize. It makes my life less stressful and more manageable.
So even though "rules" might seem strict and something that takes the fun out of life, I feel the opposite.
Having a routine or "rules" allows me to enjoy life to the fullest, and I can focus on my goals while still taking care of the little day-to-day tasks.
I believe a healthy daily routine keeps life moving forward. Without a routine, I would go about my day confused, overwhelmed and probably end up on the couch watching TV all day.
Not saying I don't have days like that, but if I want to be more than a couch potato, I need to have healthy routines in my life.
Do you want to learn more about my routines? Then, here are my favorite morning routines, before bed routines, and Sunday routines.
I encourage you to look at your daily routines, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed.
How do you go about your day-to-day life? Is there something you can change to make life easier for you?
For example, if you're tired every day because you stare at your phone until midnight, then that might be a routine (or habit) you need to change.
When you are well-rested, you make healthier choices throughout the day. You spend more time in the "hot zone" when you're tired, trying to survive.
Last, remember it takes about 3-4 weeks for a habit or routine to stick. At first, it will feel difficult, and you might want to fall back into comforting old habits or routines.
Try to push through because it does get easier after the 1st week, I promise. You'll be happy you did.
Talk to you soon!
Tammy Overhoff
PS. Did you know that I have an eBook? Actually, an eBook Bundle! This bundle includes the Organize Yourself Skinny eBook and 30-day Workbook. The eBook shares step by step all of habits and routines for prioritizing a healthier lifestyle. The bundle consists of 4 weeks of make-ahead meal plans, exercise plans, and habit challenges. You can check it out here.
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