At some point I realised I am juggling many balls in the air. I am not able to accurately trace back the origins of this crazy juggle, but it has been my reality for a while now.
(Maybe its the race to get more done in the limited lifespan we have, society, peer pressure, need to stay busy etc etc?!)
This need to keep pushing went into an overdrive during Covid times, maybe as a coping mechanism. My calendar from those two years is packed full, including workout and family – time! (My crazy need for control on every minute of my time and energy)
It is still very hard for me to take my foot off the accelerator. If I were my own friends – I’d ask myself, “where the hell are you going in such a rush??” Ironically, I found myself pushing to slow down – surprise surprise.
While this tussle is on, one demon I have definitively managed to conquer is – Stress
I am no longer “stressed out”
Surprisingly, given the long-standing relationship human society has with stress now, I managed to cut chords almost instantly one fine month last year!
More on that later
Meanwhile, what I really do want to talk about, is the role that routine has played in overcoming chaos that often led to stress.
Growing up, somehow, we picked up cues that routine was boring and un-cool. Those who had to eat at a certain time, had to sleep early, had to brush their teeth as soon as they woke up – were just plain “uncle or aunty – tagged”
I am now in my 40s and routine is fast becoming my BFF (Aunty can be cool too)
It started with a very handy advice from my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. During my kiddo’s early childhood, I used travel a lot. This was always to spend time with grandparents on both sides, but for the child, it was a change of scene every once in a couple of months nevertheless.
The teacher (an angel) sat me down and spoke to me about the role routine or what is more accurately called “Rhythm” in the Waldorf way to create a sense of home.
Rhythm is the ebb and flow of breath, of actions, like the cycle of the moon and the oceans – anything in nature actually. Rhythm touches many aspects of the lives of a parent and a child and I have witnessed the seamless beauty of following a rhythm myself.
More on that later too if anyone is interested
Meanwhile, in my present life, I have seen having a routine has helped me pretty much the same way.
If you have noticed, whenever you travel – be it for work or leisure, for a few days before and after, you feel displaced. At least I do!
So practically thanks to a 7-day holiday, your rhythm, your balance is displaced for a good 10 – 12 days, till you get your feet back into it fully
Recently, I joined a community – onthemovelife.in that promotes health and fitness as a lifestyle. So instead of just one workout – they push you to create a lifestyle that will keep you fit and healthy for life. Thanks to the ongoing conversations in the bunch of fabulous people, I decided to carry my routine with me on my family vacation. Should suffice to say – this was a game-changer.
The vacation was a bunch of fun sightseeing, new experiences, long nights with drinks and chats with family, shopping, swims and whatnot. But all through – I decided not to compromise of a few fundamental practices I had incorporated back at home over the past months.
Basically, the structure of my day was very similar at home and during the vacation. This is how:
- Wake up 30 – 45 mins before the others
- Get out into the sunshine
- Meditate
- Workout with bands (more on that later!)
- Coffee and then the day sets in
- Incorporate a 30 minute walk – treadmill or outdoors
- Eat wisely with whatever options you find.
- Substitute alcohol with a glass of soda and a few slices of lemon on the rocks!
It took me 1 day to get back into my rhythm when I got back.
It was the first for me.
Combined with the fact that I had eliminated work stress and managed to maintain my routine, I knew going back home was not going to be a drastic change from the peace I felt during my vacation. I was no longer depressed about the holidays coming to an end!
Of course it helped that I was planning the next travel with my dear friend already
Routine and discipline are powerful tools practiced by the best of the best in the world. But I am referring to a more softer version of the hard-core term. A friend that you are familiar with who travels with you no matter what you do and where you are. A constant companion who reminds you of who you are. (Ok that’s eerily similar to a popular number. But you know what I mean)
I am going to delve deep into the concept of Rhythm and routine and learn & practice what I can. I hope you find your anchor, your balance and are able to keep it too
PS: I am trying to keep my daily calendar simple. It’s greatly a work in progress, but here’s where I’d like to get to:
- Wake up 60 mins before the others
- Get out into the sunshine
- Meditate, Suryanamaskars, stretches for the back, shoulder & neck
- Family time
- Workout
- Chores and work
- Incorporate a 5,000 steps in pieces during the day (increase to 10,000 gradually)
- Meditate & practice gratitude (count your blessings and accomplishments small & big)
While not exactly aligned to the idea of living a slow purposeful life, this podcast by Andrew Huberman is a good step towards understanding why some things we were made to do as kids makes sense even as adults.
That’s it for now. Until next time
Ciao! be happy you all
MY HAPPY TRYBE 
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