Routine. Who responds with excitement and who has a negative reaction to this word? I’m sure there are both reactions out there, along with a variety of in between reactions. I personally love routine and thrive with it. I like to leave freedom in my activities within my routine, but generally, even for my artistic expressions (which may sound counterintuitive, but I’ll explain), I have a routine of some sort. I think it’s grounding. This year, more than ever, I know we can all use a sense of feeling stable with predictability, so let me help you to get there, with intentional self-care thrown in for good measure.
I’ve known about my proclivity for routine for a long time of course, but recently it hit me with how valuable it is for my writing career. I’ve been working on my second novel, which is set in contemporary New Orleans and about an Italian American woman’s journey with trust and allowance of help from her community. I started in July and now have a first draft. It only took three months! The Difference (coming in 2021) took five years. Yes, you read that right. Now let me tell you, it was due to a variety of factors, with the biggest being that writing was a fun hobby back then. I did it as my mood shifted toward that creative outlet. After signing with a publisher and getting into the author world more, writing has grown to be another career for me (I’m also a psychotherapist). I prioritize writing and working on my craft consistently. This blog is part of that consistency, by the way so thanks for being a reader/follower. 😊
During the unknowns in this wild year, I think my Sunday writing routine helped me to have a loved task to look forward to and one which I could depend on weekly. As you know, when you have a passion you will make sacrifices for it. Giving up other interests, needed tasks of the week, or even quality time with my husband on Sundays was what I chose to do so I could get that book out of me and into the world (well, at least in my world right now). It gave me a sense of control in my life when the events around me were yet to be determined. I knew when the quarantine happened that I wanted to make the most of my “down” time and this new book is a huge goal I can check off as accomplished.
With routine there is another necessary factor, I think. It’s almost the flip side in my mind. The way to keep a routine consistently is to keep yourself energized and ready to go. How does one do that? Well, I do it with self-care. That’s kind of a buzz word now, so it may have different meaning to different people. But self-care, to me, means doing activities that bring joy, relaxation, and comfort to you so that your mind and body can recharge for the next step/activity/day. Oh, I hope you know that included in self-care are basic human needs like healthy nutrition and enough sleep. I need to make sure to say that since they are extremely important but are often overlooked.
There are obviously different ways in which people can gain a sense of relief through self-care. I personally do not love to be physically active (but do it because I should for my health and blah, blah, blah), but can sit on my butt for hours reading, crocheting, drawing, and anything else artistic. I love vegging out with TV, movies, and social media too. But you may have different needs. View my list below for some ideas for your self-care.
Physically driven people (If you love moving/outwardly expressing to feel relief)
- Walking or running
- Bike riding
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Singing
- Playing instruments
- Yoga
- Talk to a friend
Mentally driven people (If you love staying in a resting position and reflecting internally to recharge)
- Arts and crafts
- Reading
- Listening to audio books
- Taking a bath
- Movies and TV
- Puzzles
- Journaling
I can literally go on and on. But those are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning. What do you think? Any seem enticing?
So, let’s make sure you choose a time in your day to do a little something. Maybe just one tiny thing, even if it’s drinking a cup of tea or smelling a fragrant candle. Imagine when you can integrate this into your life. Right now. Go on, do it. Ok, continue reading. 😊
Set a routine for the self-care! Maybe it’s before you get out of bed, before you go to bed, at lunch time, or for 5-10 minutes in the morning or afternoon. Let’s make it happen. I know you can do it!
I hope that this blog post sparked some ideas for you to flourish even more in your life. I’m happy when others feel inspired and motivated by reading my blogs, newsletters, and social media posts. Of course, my books are the biggest tools for conveying these themes, so I can’t wait for you to read them as well.
Always feel free to share ideas this gave you, ask me for input, tell me how you worked routine and self-care into your life, or even how you plan to do so on the near future. I love hearing about your intent and success. Happy routine and self-caring!
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This is so true! We make time for what we value! Having a daily writing practice has been key for me.
I love that!! Good for you for daily writing.
Great message. What’s also important to note that self-care is not always going to be fun and relaxing. Exercising, eating clean, and learning new things are very important self-care activities, but they do require some form of discipline to start. But doing them ensures a happier self, that’s for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely! I have been on that journey myself over these months and it does take strong willpower. Thanks for the comment!
I love this! I cannot believe you wrote your first draft in 3 months! Amazing! I agree that when you first start, you just write when creativity and desire strikes, but as you envision it as a career or firm goal, you have to be purposeful about writing time. Of course, that looks different for everyone! I love that your second novel is set in New Orleans. That is so cool! SELF-CARE for me is usually a favorite movie or TV show.
Yes, exactly! The consistency means it is a priority I think. I know life gets in the way, but generally speaking. Aww, thanks about the kind words. And yessss about the self-care. Love, love, love.
Wonderful post and it’s so true about self-care. A little bit goes a long way to helping our mental state, as does staying healthy. I keep a Saturday writing routine and that helps keep me grounded along with an exercise routine, walking the dog, etc.
Awesome job getting a first draft done in 3 months!
Jeff
Awww, thanks! So sweet. And I am so glad you also have a routine that grounds you. I think it matters greatly.