I recently started listening to the Mel Robbins podcast, and it led to a complete re-motivation of my day to day life. This is when I came to understand how important the routines and habits I establish in my life are.
I have reduced stress, as well as allowing extra time to be where I need to be and be prepared. Another key that came from this shift in my life was the “let them” theory.
I now can make it through the day without the burden of guilt, shame, or sadness overwhelming me for no reason. Establishing routines, creating healthy habits, and adapting a healthy mindset can make you feel like a whole new person!
Routines and habits appear to be the same principle. However, when broken down, it is important to understand the difference. Routines are more structured and intentional. They require a conscious effort and focus.
Routines can look like morning and night routines, workout routines, or studying routines. Habits start out as a conscious effort, but develop into an automatic response. Once a habit is developed, it requires little to no thought to complete, as your mind goes into “autopilot” mode.
Habits are developed in a cue, routine, and reward system. A trigger will lead to a specific action. Once that action is completed, the satisfying outcome will reinforce the action to begin future repetition.
Establishing routines can lead to many benefits. As I mentioned, I am much more productive these days. However, outside of productivity I have also noticed my mental health being lighter and happier, as my stress has reduced tremendously. My body also aches less now that I am getting sufficient sleep and activity to keep it balanced.
Routines are not all that lead to this though. Habits like plugging my phone in across the room at night or setting an alarm I have to get out of bed to turn off have increased the ease of my established schedule and allowed for less distraction and better rest!
When establishing any habits or routines, it is important to understand that it is okay to start small. Jumping in with everything all at one time can be overwhelming and make you feel as though you are failing.
Consistency is more important than intensity. Make a list of your goals: Who do you see yourself being? From there, narrow it down to a few sustainable habits and slowly grow off it. Managing sustainable habits will take you further than starting with too many that are unmanageable at one time.
Once you begin to add to your routines, link your new habits to existing ones. For example, if I wanted to start using a face mask in the shower, and I already have a routine of taking time to shave my legs, I would put the mask in just before shaving so that it can soak and I build off of that routine without adding unneeded time. In the end, it is most important to find what works for your accountability system, and where you will see the most progress.
Statistically speaking, 62% of those that form a healthy routine and establish good habits start to see stress reductions. They feel as though daily life is more predictable and controllable, help with time management and decision making, and positively impact mental health. 42% of those that form habits to set a plan in place see success within a year. It takes 18 to 25 days to form a habit. From there, the progress is unstoppable.
One last area of big change I have seen in the last few months has been in my emotional well being. As a people pleaser, I have a hard time accepting others’ opinions and actions towards me. This is where the “let them” theory has tremendously helped. You must let go of the mental control from others’ actions. Whatever it is they are doing or want to do, let them. Control your own mind and life!
This mental practice has improved my relationships with family, friends, and my significant other vastly. Once I let go of focusing on someone else’s personal growth, I had the room to focus on my own. I no longer feel tied to external influences or the distractions from outside of my circle. If it is their will, I let them. It is not my will and I can not control that. Being disciplined in my routines, habits, and mindset has led to significant self-improvement and growth. I feel in tune with my own mind and find joy in areas I never knew it could exist.
My encouragement to you todau is to implement small changes in your life and invest in yourself! Where could tomorrow take you? Become more in tune with yourself. You will never thank yourself more for such a small investment.