When your routine goes out of the window

I don’t know about you, but I do find my routine tends to become a little challenged during the summer months, and it has taken me a couple of weeks to get back on track. It was mainly due to my annual holiday – at first, it felt refreshing to be doing things in a different way, but after a while, I find it impacts my mood, and I begin to feel more stressed, which then encroaches on my sleep too. So, over the last week, I have been putting my comfortable and nurturing routine back in place.

My routine has never been ridged, and neither is every day the same, but it does include things which help me to feel good. For instance, I prefer to start my day with a shower before I practice a combination of yoga, meditation and reiki. During the practice I sip from a cup of green tea, and nearby is my journal so I can note down thoughts, feelings and insights. I find all of these things create a sense of nurture which help me to feel I have set up my day in the right way, plus it makes me feel good that I have invested time to myself.

The rest of each day is varied, but I obviously have the routine of lunch, and an evening meal, plus before bed I have a skincare routine too.

We are creatures of habit, and our habitual living means that our sub-conscious can perform a lot of our routine without much brain effort – such as taking the top off of the toothpaste, pulling back the covers on the bed, etc. These routines can feature in our sub-conscious as our brain has recognised that we are safe within the repeated functions.

Science research has shown that routine can help with sleep, anxiety as well as other mental health conditions.

So what small routines could you add to your day which can then benefit you in these areas of life?

There is a general preconception that meditation is time consuming, but there are many different types and techniques, and some can be done when you are out and about. You could take a few conscious breaths, or take a few moments to connect with each of your senses, repeat a mantra, or practice lovingkindness – the practice of lovingkindness is repeating benevolent, kind and compassionate phrases firstly towards yourself, and then to others.

In fact, this is one of my favourite practices to do throughout the day, and in particular, extending the phrases to people who I come across. These may be people I know, as well as strangers.

My favourtie phrases are:
May you be Happy
May you be Healthy
May you feel Strength
May you be at Peace

But you can use any phrase you like.

In my mind, I just repeat a few phrases once or twice and I hope the energy of my well wishes has some kind of positive impact on their day, plus it makes me feel good too!

My book, ‘Making Friends with Yourself, is available to buy directly from sarahpresley.co.uk or from Amazon (paperback and kindle version available)