Creating a Routine
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When battling a chronic illness keeping up with a wellness routine is as important as your morning coffee. Creating a routine builds consistency into your day, which is beneficial in maintaining positive habits.
Routines have been shown to help reduce stress which can lead to a boost in mental health. By embracing a routine you're not just saying goodbye to stress -- you're reclaiming precious time that would've been swallowed up by the chaos of everyday life.
When I made a conscious effort to craft my own routine I built a different level of satisfaction in my day to day life. There was no more rush of getting ready or plopping into bed after a long day feeling worn and exhausted. I found myself starting and ending my day with a sense of calm and purpose.
Oh, I hear you loud and clear! Creating a routine isn't always the easiest, contending with the endless possibilities. One minute you're just trying to establish a simple morning ritual, and next thing you know you have a 15 step facial routine, that runs up your time and credit card.
Then if you don't stick to it, you can be hard on yourself and drop it all together or do the famous-- welp guess I'll have to try again on Monday. I know I'm not alone in that one!
Let's talk about tech. There are some pretty great apps out there that can help you whip your routine into shape. And if you're more of a pen-and-paper kinda person, don't worry there are plenty of ways to build your roadmap to productivity.
When it comes to sticking to a routine, sometimes a little extra motivation can go a long way. There are products like smart bottles or fitness trackers that come in handy. You need things that keep you accountable and on track.
So, if you've ever struggled with creating and sticking to a routine here are some apps and products that help me stay on top of things:
Alexa - Echo Products
I definitely enjoy the convenience of having this personal assistant in my life. I personally have several set up around the house. My favorite being the echo show 5. I find myself calling for her all the time even while on vacation and have to remind myself she's not there. You really can set up your whole routine here if you wanted to.
From managing your schedule to ordering groceries, this gadget can do it all. The personalization is what truly makes this device wonderful. Whether you need a gentle wake-up call or a rundown of the day's news and weather, or a little boost of positivity with a daily affirmation, your device has your back.
Need to stay focused on a task? You can set timers for focus time. Then when it's time to wind down, have it set a relaxing evening routine filled with calming music. It really is a powerhouse.
I enjoy using it as a personal notepad, especially for shopping. While reading through the grocery circular or scrolling recipes, I'll just call stuff out to add to my list. This keeps me organized and ensures I don't forget we're out of ketchup!
Finch App
I discovered this app about a year ago when I was trying to get into journaling more. My RA definitely irritates my hands the most, so after a while writing can be a chore. However I really wanted to get into this healthy habit.
Enter finch! This adorable little app allows you to create tasks linked to building healthy habits you want to work on. You can create routines related to exercise, being more optimistic, work-life harmony and more.
You'll start your day entering how you're feeling and a journal prompt will trigger based on your response. I find this to be a great way to add mindfulness to my day. Then as you complete your tasks you get rewarded. Plus is there really anything more satisfying than checking things off your list. I start and end my day triumphant!
Gratitude journal
If digital journaling isn't your thing, give this gratitude journal a whirl. Especially if you're like me and tend to have tenderness in your hands this journal's concise prompts are just right.
It takes me less than 5 minutes to kickstart and wrap up my day mindfully. I jot down what I'm grateful for and the most important things to accomplish.
But here's the kicker: the weekly reflection. I'm not great at noticing my own wins, but these prompts help me look back at all I've accomplished over the week. It's like giving yourself a little pat on the back—a perfect way to end the week on a positive note.
Bearable App
Living with a chronic illness can feel like facing a mystery without any clues. One day you're fine, the next your body rebels, leaving you feeling betrayed and confused.
Enter the Bearable app! It's a symptom tracker that allows you to check off different attributes that could contribute to overall wellness. Monitoring your mood, symptoms, sleep and daily factors can help create an overall picture of wellness and potentially give insight into how things correlate.
It's also helpful when attending those doctor appointments. I know for me, the minute I step foot into the doctor's office it's like my symptoms magically disappear. This allows me to properly track what's been going on and for how long.
Awareness is key when it comes to crafting a healthy routine. The more you understand what's happening in your body, the better equipped you are to establish habits that support your well-being.
Meditation Apps
Working on your zen? There are a host of meditation apps out there. It's really about finding the one that works best for you. I love the Headspace app for meditation, but enjoy the sleep stories within the Calm app.
If you've been struggling to hop on the meditation wave and can't seem to get it to stick, try digitizing your approach. They have built in reminders that you can schedule, making it easier to stay consistent with your mental check-ins.
I'm sure if you're here, you likely found my page through pinterest! I love using Pinterest to plan my meals. After creating my shopping list, I look on pinterest for meals that coincide with what's on sale. Mama shops deals.
Then I'll favorite those options to come back to later. That way they are separate from the host of recipes I already have pinned. Check out my pinterest recipe board to start!
Water bottle
If you add nothing else to your routine, ensure you are hydrated! This time marked water bottle makes staying hydrated a breeze as it literally tells you how much water you should be drinking and when, so you can stay on track throughout the day.
Plus, it comes in a range of fun colors, so you can be hydrated and fashionable at the same time. With its wide mouth and leakproof design, it's the perfect companion for staying hydrated on the go. It even comes with a cleaning brush, so you can keep it fresh for all your hydration needs.
Keep it Simple
When you're just starting off, focus on the key areas you want to improve. For me, building a better morning routine was essential. I began my day checking work messages, then rolled over to brush my teeth and head straight to my makeshift work from home office in my room.
That was a terrible way to start my day. I started my day anxious about what was going on while I was away and that energy carried throughout my day.
I knew I needed to create more space between waking up and work, so that's what I focused on. Doing those simple things like not checking my phone, making my bed and doing a quick morning stretch before jumping into the day really helped set my day.
Once I was able to stick with those habits I added more like journaling and practicing gratitude. I even built the habit of tidying up a bit before work. I built upon my good practices rather than launching them all at once. Remember building momentum is key in maintaining consistency.
Creating a routine isn't just a self care fad, it's an important factor in creating stability. It's one of the first things you're taught to do with children and yet the older we get the more chaotic our lives become. Take control of your day and let's dive into the wonderful world of routines. Trust me your future self will thank you for it.
Those are some of the things I utilize to aid in my wellness routine. What do you like to do, please share!
