Today I had one of those days! Although I am fully committed to practicing what I preach, instead of adhering to my usual morning routine, I made the lethal mistake of opening Facebook and Instagram on my phone while drinking my coffee. Before I knew it, over an hour had flown by.
This made me think of the value of adhering to routines, especially in difficult times. Routines promote overall wellness and give a sense of normalcy during abnormal times. They also improve mental health, for example, by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. They are like a security blanket for your brain. As humans, we thrive on what we know, we subconsciously tend to default to the familiar, to our comfort zones.
It takes time for a new behaviour to become a habit. Studies suggest a minimum of 21 days is required. Regardless of time frames, what is certain is that “Practice makes …. Permanent” and that change is primarily the result of self-control and discipline.
This week, I invite you to look at your morning routine and make one positive change or addition to it. For example, you could start your day with a grateful thought, short meditation, controlled breathing, a reflective cup of coffee, exercise or an inspirational reading. Remember that how you start your day sets a tone for the rest of it, so a great start makes for a great day!