If you find yourself thrown off course by the smallest thing, you’re not the only one! It’s why we have routines in the first place – to feel normal and healthy, and like we’re moving on in life. A morning routine, a nighttime routine, and a simple regular schedule during the day do a lot to help you settle into life, especially when there’s so much change going on around you.
But if there’s an interruption to this routine, it can rock the very foundations of your lifestyle. Getting off track feels weird and uncomfortable, and for some people that can have both mental and physical repercussions. As such, we’ve listed some tips below for coping with such interruptions, and ensuring you can bounce back after anything.
Target the Problem Immediately
If there’s a problem you can identify that’s interrupted your regular schedule, don’t sit idle and let it throw the entire day off course. Get it seen to as soon as possible. For example, if you woke up with pain in your jaw or a tooth has become loose overnight, get an emergency dentist appointment and get the issue solved. Don’t wait around for things to become ‘normal’ again, as it may take a while, or may never actually sort itself out. Be proactive, and get yourself back on track.
Take a Breather
Taking a break when you need to is no bad thing. Don’t feel guilty if you need to step out for a moment at work, or even go for a nap in the middle of the day – they’ll help you to reset yourself! A breather works wonders on the little interruptions, and even long term problems can be smoothed along by taking 5 and doing something to energise or refocus yourself.
Make a Conscious Effort to Stick to Habits
When you’re thrown off course by something breaking the routine, you have to get straight back up on the horse. So if you were thinking about putting off that morning run until tomorrow, stop right there! It’s best to stick to the habits that make you feel like you, as even a small disruption can mean you fail to pick them up again in the future. Of course, if you’re not feeling well it’s up to you what happens, but it can be a slippery slope when it comes to convincing yourself you’ll ‘try again later’.
Remember, Tomorrow is a Fresh Start
If today was a bad day, tomorrow doesn’t have to be. You can have a fresh start whenever you choose, and waking up in the morning can be exactly that. Even if you’ve got a lot to do today, or a load of errands to run that you couldn’t do yesterday, this is still your best chance to feel like you again. Take it and run with it!
Interruptions to the routine can have a long lasting impact. Talk to someone if you’re worried, and stick to your habits where you can.
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