Same Routine- New Day, New Mindset

Why are routines so important? How can we use mindfulness during those routines to help us feel comfort and cleansing from them?

Every night, during the week, I am EXHAUSTED. I want to put my son to bed, crawl into a ball on the couch next to my husband and ‘veg out’ on some tv and deep pressure from cuddles. It wasn’t until I read more from the author Brené Brown, that I realized all that I am doing is numbing.

Scrolling mindlessly through social media, numbing.

Watching tv, numbing.

Heading to bed at 8pm, numbing.

It feels good in the moment, but the next morning, it doesn’t necessarily help my day go better or give me a sense of relief or relaxation that lasts long term. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t still use these techniques at night, because I ABSOLUTELY do, and I think that ‘that’ is ABSOLUTELY ok; HOWEVER, I have one specific part of my routine, prior to sitting down, that I complete no matter how tired I am. No matter how much I want to plop down and veg, I walk into my home office space and pick it up. All day my office takes the brunt of the chaos: papers shuffled, computer screen glaring with over 5 tabs open, planner spread open and busy, my chair sitting across the room from when I shifted to standing to get things done.

I walk into this room, late at night, when my day is done. I honor this as my space mentally and physically by picking up my day. This does not mean I complete all the ‘half done’ tasks or finish previously started tasks. I mindfully and thoughtfully collect the papers and items and place them into a folder labeled ‘to do’ and carefully put it into my drawer. I take my planner, close it up and place it underneath the desk, in the cabinet. I take the pens and place them away and turn the computer off (yes, next the old start button, where you actually click ‘shut down’ something that has become a PAST time for so many!) I place my chair back next to the desk and gently fold the soft blanket, draping it back over the top of the chair. I place my keyboard up top and place my journal front and center on the desk.

Why do I bother?

Why not just leave it?

Because, when I wake up in the morning, before my family, I come down to my office first. I feel a sense of relief, cleansing and freshness that allows me to start my day on a ‘new’ foot. No schedule of the day’s events to get hung up on, no computer calling me to numb my morning thoughts or dictate my mood. No papers shuffled nearby, reminding me of the ‘to do’ list that never seems to shrink. My chair warm and comfy, calling my name. My journal front and center telling me, “Self-care, just do it, it’s right here.”

This routine allows me to wipe away the day before and start the day fresh, no matter what yesterday brought. I am able to sit, focus on me, eat my breakfast and feel open, positive and cleansed. Each day is a fresh start and this routine helps me physically remember that.

What parts of your routine may help you wipe away the day before, starting fresh and new?

For those that own a farm, is it dragging the field or arena, deleting the footsteps from the day before, starting fresh and new? Is it brushing your teeth at night, waking up with a fresh clean mouth? Is it as simple as seeing the sunrise from your bed and watching the sky bring the day to you?

What part of your routine could you ‘tune in’ to that will allow you to cleanse your body and mind from yesterday and prepare for a new ‘today?’