How routines can help you feel more grounded

Is chaos your guilty pleasure, but one that actually leaves you feeling frazzled?

You most probably know your habits shape who you are and who you’re becoming. But you may also be primarily driven to seek variety and excitement, rather than certainty and stability, and the idea of having habits may imply predictability and boredom.

You might even justify a lack of planning by saying you think more freely when you are unhindered by routine.

A problem with this approach is that, when an unexpected or significant event occurs in your relationships or at work, you can easily feel lost and confused and struggle to find that sense of being grounded when you most need it.

The good news is that you can have the best of both worlds.

A simple way to feel more grounded each day is to create a morning and evening routine, each lasting between 20 and 40 minutes. Between those times, you can approach work, relationships and anything else in the way that suits you.

Morning routine

An example could be:

• 6:00 am - Wake up and drink a glass of water.
• 6:10 am - Do 15 minutes of Tai Chi, yoga or a simple stretching routine.
• 6:25 am - Recall a list of things you are grateful for.
• 6:30 am - Focus on your two “must-dos” for the day.
• 6:40 am - Hit the shower with several wins already under your belt.

Evening routine

An example could be:

• Arrive home and take 10 minutes to yourself to reflect on the day’s highs and lows, possibly using a journal. This helps you transition into your personal and family time.
• Have a ritual that makes you feel good. It could be a bath, a cup of tea or anything else that allows you to relax.
• Enjoy time at home with others by giving them the gift of you being present.
• Do something to support a deep and peaceful sleep. It might be some light reading or listening to something positive or soothing.

Remember, it’s your routine, and you can change any of the activities or timings to keep things interesting.

By having an am and pm routine, you may find you are able to think more creatively and positively. You may feel calmer, more open to new ways of working, or more able to find creative solutions to challenges.

A more grounded you can be a more mindful, positive and creative you. Give it a try.