List #64 - 5 things I do to feel grounded with a VERY flexible routine
I’m pretty good about sticking to a routine, but this wasn’t always the case. I spent years fluctuating between killing myself in morning workouts, trying to maintaing an extensive (and expensive!) skincare regimen, testing different meal plans, journaling, meditating, and feeling more exhausted by the pressure to simply have it all down pat, before 8am. Unrealistic, especially as my professional life changed to East Coast hours. In the past year and a half, I’ve successfully pared down my routine and made it adjustable. This allows me to pick and choose what I need that day, without feeling like I’ve “missed a day”.
Breakfast is a non-negotiable, and big
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I actually get excited going to bed thinking about my coffee and breakfast. I love breakfast foods and make a point to never skip it. This and exercise are the most fundamental aspects of my morning routine. Simple as that.
Favorite breakfasts include:
Spinach omelettes with hash browns
Whole wheat bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox
Coconut chia bowls with berries
Papaya bowls with coconut yogurt and granola
Exercise
I’ve taken morning calls on walks and even in between sets of weights. Moving my body sets the tone for my entire day and has become as integral as brushing my teeth. Even if its super quick or just a walk around the block. Ideally, I’ll be able to go for a longer run, but sometimes we’re really working against the clock. And that’s perfectly ok!
I choose outfits based on how I need to work that day
If I’m deep in planning/content prep mode, I’ll choose an outfit that makes me feel comfortable so I can spread out. If I have a lighter day, my outfit might be a little spicier. I don’t plan outfits in advance and many days look pretty much the same. But I always wear something that makes me feel like myself and allows me to do what I need to do that day.
I check my bank account
I’ve shared how one of my resolutions is to check my bank account every day, which is part-exposure therapy and part-grounding mechanism. I want to control my impulsive shopping behavior and feel more grounded when it comes to finances, which is why I check my bank account every morning. It’s a simple task but makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself financially, which is self-care!
I do half an annoying chore to get it started
Take laundry, for example. It feels almost insurmountable when you have to tackle a massive pile and haven’t even started. It feels even worse when the task on your list is just “do laundry”. But when I break it down into “put laundry in the washing machine and start”, then I’m basically a third of the way done! It feels like I’ve accomplished something, even if it’s not the whole task. It removes that paralyzing feeling and the mental barrier to starting.
