I’ve gotten out of the habit…How do I get back in?
Sometimes I get out of the habit of working, reading the bible, doing daily chores, even writing on my blog. It just happens, especially if my schedule changes. I feel like I have my rhythm down, doing the same thing everyday and then summer break starts or school starts back up or it’s a holiday break or we take a vacation. You know, sometimes you just have a super busy weekend. Any of those can knock my routine out of whack, and I have such a hard time getting back into it.
Recently, my work schedule changed which gave me more time to do whatever. So on the first couple days, I slept in a little later, took my time getting up and getting ready each day. I’d fill my time with spur of moment “Oh, yeah, I wanted to do this” kinds of things. It was so nice to rest and relax and do whatever I wanted for a bit. My mind and body needed that. But those couple days turned into a week and then two and then three… It’s so easy to get out of the habit but it seems so hard to get back in.
How do I get back in the habit?
Weekends and holiday breaks are a good time to press the reset button. It’s a great time to make a plan, set up new habits, and reestablish old ones. But really, anytime is a great time to just get started. If the holiday is over, the weekend is over, or it’s a Wednesday, so what? Today, no matter what today is, is the perfect day to get back in the habit.
1. Make a list.
I am a list maker. I do better when I have a plan and a list of things to do. It gives me goals and helps me to be more productive. Sometimes my list or plan changes but I still need to start with one. So make a list of what you need and want to do with your time. Just write it all out. Anything that takes up your time, write that down. It might seem silly to write “make the bed” but it’s something I want to do everyday so I’m writing it down.
For me, if I don’t write it, I don’t think about it. And so it doesn’t get done. Writing all this helps my brain to process everything that needs to happen in my home.
2. Highlight what needs to be done.
This is the time to prioritize. Decide what must be done, what would be best do, and what you want to do. You also might make a note for the things that need to be done weekly rather than daily. I don’t grocery shop everyday so I wrote when I would be going to the grocery store. Christmas is coming up so that might be something to add to the list. (I forgot that on my list so I’ll be adding that in there.)
3. Start scheduling.
Recently I realized that we never start school at 9 AM like I planned. So I fixed that schedule. There’s no sense in having the same plan and not following the plan. Just change the plan. This week, we will start at 10 am, which is usually when we start anyway.
When you schedule, arrange as much as you can around what you and your family does naturally. If getting up at 5 AM works for you, do that! If trying to get all the chores done before school makes you a crazy person, don’t do chores at that time. The chores will be waiting for you when you get home, unless you have cleaning elves. In which case, send them to my house too please.
Next add the items that are important. Working out is important to me but it doesn’t happen naturally. I have to make that time in the schedule. Writing, bible study, even my blog are all things I have to schedule or they won’t get done.
Finally add the things you want to do. Maybe those things are added once a week or just on certain days. I am working on building a bench for my living room. It’s not something I have to do or even that important; it’s just for me. That is something I have to schedule on certain days but I do have to write it in there. Otherwise it just becomes one of those things I started but didn’t finish.
4. Organize the plan.
I also like to keep my lists in my planner since I look at everyday. You could hang the list on the bathroom mirror or set it on your bedside table. Whatever you do, make sure your new plan is in a place where you can see it all day.
5. Get started!
The night before, go over you list again just to remind yourself. If you are working out for the first time or starting it up again, get the space ready, get your clothes out, and have your workout plan ready to go. There’s nothing worse than going to the basement to workout only to find out the kids’ toys are everywhere. So get all of that stuff done the night before. Then get a good night’s rest.
What if my plan fails?
You can do this!
2 Comments
yabanci
Good post! We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the great writing. Malanie Hervey Kuster
Mandy
Thank you so much! I’m so glad this is helpful to you. What’s the name of your site?
Thank you for the encouragement!