If you find it hard to follow a routine, you are not the only one!
The truth is, the best routine is the one that fits your life, not someone else’s.
You have gone through this… waking up early, hitting the gym, or planning your day, but it last? Only for a week. Why does this happen? The truth is, building a routine isn’t just about motivation; it’s about creating systems that work for you.
Do you want to build a routine that actually works for you and stick with it? We’ve got you covered. Let’s delve into the article!
Is There Science Behind Habit Formation
Do you know our brain builds habits to save energy? That is the reason we can do things like brushing our teeth or checking our phones without even thinking.
These everyday actions become part of our routine. But have you ever wondered how habits are formed, and why they are so hard to break?
At the heart of every habit is something called the habit loop, which has three parts: the cue, the routine, and the reward.
- The cue is what starts the habit.
- The routine is the action you take.
- The reward is what your brain gets from the routine.
The more times you go through this loop, the more your brain connects the cue and the reward. This is how a habit is formed.
The good news is that our brains can change. You can break bad habits and create better ones. The first step is to figure out what triggers the habit. Is it a feeling? A time of day? A certain place?
Once you know the cue, you can keep the cue but change the routine. For example, if you eat when you are stressed, you could try going for a walk or doing pushups instead. Over time, the new habit will become just as automatic as the old one.
Making A Routine That Will Stick
What are those productivity hacks that will help you stick to the routine? Let us read more to find out.
- Motivate yourself
We as humans can not rely on likes, compliments, or attention from others to keep us going. Instead, we need to find motivation from within. Maybe you want to feel more organized or less stressed during the day. Goals like these can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident. So this is the first step that you have to take for your self-growth.
- Set a goal for your routine
Knowing what you want to achieve helps you decide what to include in your routine. Do you want to be more productive? Get in better shape? Live a healthier life? Once you are clear about your goal, it becomes easier to plan your day around it.
For example, if your goal is to live healthier, your routine might include going to bed earlier or setting time aside to cook nutritious meals.
It is the best way to start if you figure out your big goal and then work backwards to break it into simple steps.
It is okay to have different routines for different times or situations. You might have one for your mornings, another for bedtime, or even one just for getting ready to leave the house. So, do not worry about that.
- Use Visual Reminders
Things like sticky notes, phone alerts, or other visible signs will definitely help you stick to your routine. But you have to keep one thing in mind: your brain can get used to seeing the same reminder and start ignoring it. To avoid this, you have to change your reminder now and then, like moving it to a new spot or using a different color.
Or you can challenge yourself to build the habit before your brain gets too used to the cue!
- Add Flexibility with Choices
Do you know that if you give yourself options, it will make your routines feel more relaxed and doable? For example, if you want to exercise every day, let yourself pick between walking, yoga, or lifting weights. Do you want to read more? Keep a paper book, an audiobook, and an e-book handy.
Having trouble with regular hair washing? Keep a few fun, nice-smelling shampoos so you can pick one you are in the mood for.
Conclusion
If you are consistent, realistic, and kind to yourself, then you can easily build a routine. You can wake up early, eat healthier, or manage your time better, but you have to start small and focus on what truly works for you.
Just show a little patience and the right mindset, your routine won’t just stick, it will become a natural part of your life.
Did you like this blog? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and let us connect there.
FAQs
Why do I struggle to stick to a routine?
Any kind of issue that involves rigidity and inflexibility in schedule, routine, environment, and expectations can cause trouble for you to stick to a routine.
Why do I get so upset when my routine is disrupted?
The extreme reactions are due to the increased stress, fear, and anxiety that arise due to changes in a familiar routine that make them feel less safe and secure.
