How to Become a Person with a Routine

I never thought I’d be writing about routines, but over the years, they’ve become a significant part of my life. Even with my constant travels, I’ve come to appreciate the value of routines more than ever and can now say I’m a person with a routine.

In my opinion, as we get older, we tend to gravitate towards routines. It’s all part of the natural progression of life.

For instance, when people start families, they need structured routines for things like childcare, meal times, and school activities. It’s a game-changer.

Getting a bit older also seems to make us more health-conscious. This leads to regular exercise, better eating habits, and consistent sleep patterns to stay healthy. With age, we start planning for the long term. We may save for retirement, focus on career advancement, and set personal and professional goals.

As we gain more life experience, we realize the benefits of routines in terms of time management and productivity.

And as we move from our 20s to our 30s, our priorities shift. The 20s are all about exploration and personal freedom, while the 30s bring a stronger focus on stability, security, and long-term planning.

In this article, I’m going to dive into the advantages of routines, how to become a person with a routine and offer practical tips for both nomads and those with a more settled lifestyle.

Advantages of being a Person with a Routine

Ever wondered what sets a person with a routine apart? From increased productivity to reduced stress, and everything in between, routines can be your secret weapon for a more organized and fulfilling life.

♦ Get More Done: Routines help you do what’s important efficiently. No more procrastination or getting sidetracked.

♦ Chill Out: With routines, you know what’s coming, and that reduces stress. You can plan for your responsibilities and say goodbye to last-minute panic.

♦ Stay Healthy: Routines often include time for exercise, healthy meals, and enough rest. Your body and mind thank you with better health.

♦ Keep It Consistent: Routines make it easy to stick to good habits and meet your goals. You’re on track for a happier you.

♦ Boost Self-Discipline: Routines reinforce self-discipline, the secret sauce for achieving long-term goals and not falling for every temptation.

♦ Go for Goals: With routines, you can set and work toward your goals, step by step. Consistency adds up to big progress.

♦ Sleep Like a Baby: Regular sleep schedules regulate your internal clock for better sleep quality and overall well-being.

♦ Decisions, Decisions: Routines cut down on constant decision-making, saving your brainpower for what really matters.

♦ Stronger Bonds: Being a person with a routine will allow you to make time for family and friends, strengthening your connections with loved ones.

♦ Grow and Explore: Routines can be a launchpad for personal growth. You can learn new skills and explore interests.

♦ Stay Tidy: Routines keep your space organized and clutter-free, making your life simpler.

♦ Bye-Bye Procrastination: Routines make it hard to put things off because tasks have their time slots. No more delaying.

♦ Feel in Control: Being a person with a routine gives you predictability and a sense of control in your life. No more uncertainty; just more well-being.

Types of Routines

There are all sorts of routines out there, and what works best for you really depends on your preferences and needs. If you are looking to become a person with a routine but don’t know where to start, here is some inspiration.

Morning Routine: A morning routine sets the tone for the day. It typically includes activities like waking up at a specific time, stretching, meditation, breakfast, and planning the day ahead.

Evening Routine: An evening routine helps wind down the day. It might involve activities like dinner, relaxation, skincare, and preparing for the next day.

Self-Care Routine: This routine focuses on taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can include activities like meditation, journaling, deep breathing exercises, or even a warm bath.

Workout Routine: A workout routine involves scheduled physical activity, such as cardio, strength training, or yoga, to maintain or improve physical fitness.

Diet and Nutrition Routine: This routine encompasses planning and sticking to a balanced and healthy diet, including meal preparation, portion control, and mindful eating.

More about a healthy lifestyle while traveling here.

Social Routine: For maintaining social connections, some people establish routines for spending time with family and friends, whether it’s a weekly dinner with loved ones or regular social events.

Travel Routine: Frequent travelers may develop routines for packing, airport procedures, and accommodations. This helps streamline travel and reduce stress. Prioritize good nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Carry healthy snacks and stay hydrated while traveling.

Tech or Screen Time Routine: Managing screen time is essential in the digital age. A screen time routine helps balance technology use with other activities and responsibilities.

Tips for Becoming a Person with a Routine

1. Define Your Goals

Start by identifying your objectives. Why do you want to become a person with a routine? What areas of your life would benefit from more structure? Common goals might include better time management, increased productivity, improved health, or work-life balance.

2. Prioritize Tasks and Activities

To become a person with a routine, make a list of tasks and activities that you want to incorporate into your routine. Prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to your goals.

3. Create a Schedule

Design a daily or weekly schedule that outlines when you’ll engage in various activities. Be realistic about the time you need for each task. Ensure there’s a balance between work, personal time, relaxation, and self-care.

Also, assign specific time slots for activities whenever possible. For example, wake up and go to bed at the same times each day, set regular meal times, and allocate dedicated periods for work or study.

What makes it easier while travelling is to slow travel.

4. Start Slowly

If you’re not used to being a person with a routine, don’t try to overhaul your entire life at once. Begin by incorporating one or two new habits into your daily schedule and gradually add more over time.

While it comes naturally for some, building a routine can take time for others, and you may encounter challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself.

5. Be Consistent

Consistency is key to establishing a routine. Try to stick to your schedule as closely as possible. Over time, this will help turn activities into habits.

6. Use Tools and Reminders

Use calendars, to-do lists, or productivity apps to help you stay on track. Set reminders for important tasks and appointments.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Identify common distractions in your life and take steps to minimize them. This might include turning off notifications, creating a clutter-free workspace, or setting boundaries with others.

8. Build in Flexibility

While routines provide structure, it’s important to allow for some flexibility. Unexpected events can occur, so be adaptable and make room for changes when necessary.

9. Learn to Say No

It’s okay to decline activities or invitations that don’t align with your goals or routine. This will help you stay focused on what matters most to you.

10. Review and Adjust

Periodically review your routine to assess its effectiveness. Are you achieving your goals? Are you the person with a routine you want to be? Do you need to make adjustments to better suit your evolving needs and priorities?

Final Thoughts on Being a Person with a Routine

At the end of the day, routines are like the seasoning of life – some like it spicy, others prefer it mild, and some don’t mind it at all.

We all dance to the beat of our own drum. Some people effortlessly waltz through life with routines already in place, while others choreograph their routines with care. As for me, I’ve always been fond of small routines, but I’ve never been one to tie myself down completely. We’re all unique, and that’s what makes the world an interesting place.

So, whether you’re already a person with a routine or a spontaneous spirit, lace up your own unique path through life, knowing there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s perfectly okay.

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Little Disclaimer: While I make an effort to snap my own photos, some folks out there are just naturally better with a camera. So, in this article, most of the pictures are thanks to the talented Unsplash community.