I’ve never been good with routine— I’m too “free-willed” as they say. But having a morning routine - especially now in quarantine- has helped me set a good intention for my day. So if you’re looking to get into a morning (or any time) routine, here are some tips to get you started:
1. START SMALL! SOOOOO SMALL! You want to do 100 pushups a day? Start by doing 3 pushups a day for a week. You want to write a book? Write for 5 minutes in a journal in the morning. You want to meditate and become enlightened? Sit in silence for 2 minutes a day. Want to boost your skincare routine? Begin with one simple step, not 4-5. Our brain doesn’t like change or newness so we often encounter a ton of resistance when starting a new habit (more on this at # 4). But when we can add in small actions step by step, it’s a little easier to trick our brain into sticking with it!
2. Only add one thing at a time. Trying to run, meditate, cook, AND stretch will overload your system. Start with just one! HINT: pick the easiest one to implement and remember, start small.
3. Track your progress! I’ve been using a “yes list”(photo 2) — a check-off grid for each item in my routine. It’ll give you a good idea of when you miss certain activities and why. (For me, my routine usually goes out the window on weekends and I don’t walk Beaux when it’s raining or too much else is going on.)
4. Stay consistent! That resistance I mentioned in # 1 is SO real! Whether it’s work, kids, laziness, or some other stressor - push past that mental resistance. Obviously, listen to your body if your routine involves running or something super physical - don’t push past pain. But try to follow through at least every other day. (Using the two-day rule here is a great way to give yourself some grace if you miss a day but promise to yourself you’ll get back to your routine tomorrow.)