Schedule? I Don’t Even Know What Day It Is!
Hey friends! The title of this post proves to be so true for most if not all of us. As I type this, it’s Saturday. I almost had to double-check that. Most weeks are the same. Sort of. My husband works a two on/four off schedule that changes weekly and my oldest son works retail so his schedule isn’t consistent either. This helps me be inconsistent as well. It’s not really a preference as I do thrive on routine.
- This post may contain affiliate links
WHAT IS CONSISTENCY?
I wanted to talk about schedules in this post. Are you thinking, schedule? I don’t even know what day it is. Well, yes I am going there. Not to shame you if a schedule is the last thing on your mind right now. Because trust me, I get that too! We aren’t super scheduled people around here. School is our beacon and when that isn’t happening, all bets are off as to when things happen. I’m not kidding.
I have teenagers. They run on their own timelines for the most part. My oldest would work a night job if there weren’t labor laws cause he is the ultimate night owl. My youngest tries to somewhat schedule himself during the week as far as sleep. My husband and I also stick to a decent routine. But what happens between sun up and sundown is a total crapshoot.
I try to add a few consistent things into my days. As I have mentioned, walking is my sanity. I also do meditation every day. I was writing fairly consistently but honestly, the topics felt repetitive right now with being safe at home. I also do a daily gratitude list. This too feels redundant. “I’m grateful for walks”. “I’m grateful for a home.” “I’m grateful for the food.” I really am grateful for those things but I think you get the point. My list looked really different when I could leave the house.
WHAT IS A MINDFUL MORNING ROUTINE?
I recently read an article about beginning your day mindfully at Health magazine. I can’t find the article online to share here with you but the summary is this:
A mindful morning routine can help you start your day on a positive note. There are a few ways to kick start your morning that have proven to have lasting effects throughout the day.
- Meditate – simple breathwork can help you get grounded and shake off any stress
- Move – your body without technology and focusing on the sensations in your body
- Write – the simple act of journaling can be cathartic and remind you to be present
RESOURCES
Please click the link below to be rerouted to the source.
A few resources that might help guide you in starting your day off in a positive way.
A Mindful Morning
Practicing Mindfulness
The Mindfulness Journal
The Mindful Day
Sunrise Gratitude
Good Morning, I Love You
The Mindful Life Journal
I also found a few that are geared towards kids which could be really helpful for the little ones who feel extra anxious.
Alphabreaths
Mindful Kids
Breathe With Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm and Happy
Breathe Like a Bear
The 3 Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids
Also, a few options for the big kids.
Be You for Teens
The Mindfulness Journal for Teens
Mindfulness for Teen Worry
HABITS CREATE SCHEDULES
I started this post talking about schedules and now I have gone sideways in talking about starting your morning off on the right foot. Do you see where I’m going with this? It’s about habits. Creating habits throughout your day can add up to a schedule of sorts.
While we all do our best to acclimate to this wonky season of feeling homebound because of COVID, I do think it’s important to find little bits of normal in our days. Maybe you have a consistent schedule that you follow, maybe you sprinkle bits of your old life in with what has become the new normal such as exercise and consistent eating patterns. Wasn’t that last part hilarious? 😉 Eating is currently its own sport in most homes. If our fridges could talk, they’d probably tell us to walk away cause we’ve already eaten 3 meals and it’s not even noon.
I did recently start a work from home job and that has definitely added a new eliminate of schedule to my life. Thus far, I haven’t set a schedule for working and come Monday, that is going to change. Because the job offers flexibility, I want to try and stick to some things that I normally do. I love my morning walks. I enjoy a hearty breakfast while I catch up on email and news. My ideal work from home hours starts a bit later.
In all of this talk of scheduling and being mindful, I am coming from a place of what works for me. I am curious about what your day to day is looking like? Are you feeling like you need/want/have a schedule? Do you have a positive habit that starts your day? Inspire me!
Maybe you have a topic you’d like to see me write about in a future post? Please do give me some ideas.
