As a parent, it’s easy for me to create and stick to routines for my kids. Wake up time, breakfast, school, dinner, bath, bedtime, etc. Like clockwork, we naturally follow a schedule for our kids because it flows and seem to make the day go smoother. But, how many of us can say we stick to the routines we create for ourselves? I mean, I know we follow a typical schedule that coincide with parenting and our work-life, but what about the routines that you have in place just for you?
Working out, following a hair regimen, or hell, just washing, toning, and moisturizing my face always seem like a challenge, especially when I have three small humans not giving me any room to breathe. It’s difficult for me to find a moment to workout at home when Hubby is still at work and it’s bedtime, but the boys keep coming out of their room to use the bathroom, because they’re thirsty, or to ask a question they already know the answer to. And, I hadn’t had time to wash, tone, and moisturize because that requires an extra few minutes, and baby girl is whining for my attention. Where do we find the time?
I’m just now realizing that taking some time for me is not selfish; it is absolutely necessary for my mental and physical health. I know that once the kids return, I’ll have to adjust my routines dramatically and the amount of ME time I’ll have will decrease significantly, and I’m okay with that. I mean, I’m a Mom. . . it is what it is. However, being a mom isn’t an excuse for me to not figure in some me into my hectic schedule.
So right now, I wake between 5:30 am and 6 am to get going on my morning routine. I wash my face, brush my teeth, then right to the kitchen to wash down my vitamins & supplements with my apple cider vinegar drink. Next, it’s yoga time! I do a video and a half on YouTube totaling about 30 minutes. (I promise I feel super relaxed and calm after yoga). Afterwards, I hit the showers and get ready for work. After work, I workout with my gym partner then home to make dinner.
I tend to get a bad case of anxiety whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed. I mean, it can creep up on me very quickly and takes a while for me to calm down. So to help, I prepare my lunch and snacks at night so that I’m not rushing in the morning. It helps me to stay focused and disciplined, and it keeps the stress level down. There’s so much to do and so little time in the morning so if I try to do it all, I’ll either be rushing or I’ll tend to forget something. It’s important for me to start my day with more zen and less stress so the easier I can make my life the better. Figure out what works best you. I can tell you that it is so easy to slide back into those old habits when you don’t plan ahead. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “If you fail to plan then you’re planning to fail.” Don’t give yourself any excuses to fail!
So, let’s talk. What does your routines look like? Are you finding even a little time for yourself to just do you? If not, how can you squeeze a little more of you into your busy schedule?
Listen, I’m a little anxious about the huge re-adjustment ahead for me in a few weeks. Within the past 4 weeks, I’ve created a habit that I’ll have to alter to meet the needs of my family, but preparation will ease my anxiety in making the transition back to Mommy life, as I’ve already started thinking through some of those changes. Routines will help you to stay on track and hold yourself accountable, and you know I love accountability, because it helps to maintain discipline. However, understand that things will happen that will force you to adjust your routines for the day, the week, the month or forever. Don’t let that stop you. Remember, the only thing that is constant is change. So, keep going, because you’re worth it!
💜 Tiarra
tiarratalks.com 