Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As I was kayaking into the sunset, it hit me. I didn’t need to conform to anyone else’s schedule. I didn’t need to fit my habits into anyone else’s time blocks. I could shift around my various disciplines into whatever order I like and whatever timeframes will allow me to have the best flow. I had been worried about the fact that I normally worked out in the morning, but I also wanted to be active outside later in the day and doing both those things was stressing me out as to how I would get my work done. I felt guilty for practicing the necessities of nourishing my soul with physical activity, outdoor air, and quality time with my mom. And then the “Aha!” moment happened.
Listen to your body and notice your energy
As I started my writing business in the winter months, my typical routine consisted of waking up early to workout, going to my small business job, writing in the afternoon, eating dinner, and reading before bed. After some period of time, I found that I was dragging myself to the computer to write. I knew that mornings were my most productive time period of the day and when I would have the most energy and creativity to write. However, I also knew that if I didn’t use my discipline to workout first thing in the morning that it probably wouldn’t happen the rest of the day. Hence you can see the dilemma of only being able to cram so many things into my morning.
However, as the weather warmed up, I felt myself constantly being pulled to the outdoors. I wanted to be in nature as much as possible. This created another scheduling dilemma. How was I supposed to sit myself down at my computer and write, create, and take care of administrative items when it was so gorgeous outside and my soul was craving nature.
On one of the first warm days of the year, I asked my mom if she wanted to go for a sunset kayak ride. As we were paddling quite literally into the sunset, I still had this uneasy feeling pulling me from the present moment. I had already done a difficult workout in the morning, now I was messing with my productivity routine being out kayaking, then I’d wake up to another workout, and have to force myself to sit inside the next day to create. Then it hit me that absolutely no one was forcing me to do that!
Allow yourself the grace to be fluid with your schedule
As such, I decided right then and there to switch my schedule around for the warmer weather months. I would write and create in the morning when I had the most energy, and I would do my “workout” in the afternoon or evening through some sort of physical activity.
I tried this new routine the very next day, and HOLY SMOKES, it was amazing! I was so productive and creative in the morning, which allowed me to check off various items from my to-do list right at the beginning of the day to get them out of my brain, and I was able to produce high quality output more easily. I then felt free to spend my time in nature and consuming information rather than creating it in the afternoon/evening since I know my brain isn’t at peak performance later in the day.
Some grace did need to come along with this though. First of all, it is an adjustment to switch your normal daily routine around so allow yourself to some grace to do this. Secondly, I will admit that during the colder, more dreary days, I have not been disciplined about getting an indoor workout in. Lastly, I recognize that some of my outdoor activities like paddleboarding don’t burn as many calories or work as many muscles as a hardcore HIIT workout, but that’s okay!
Finding a routine that allowed me to be in flow, created time for all my priorities, and nourished my soul was far more important and healthy for me than the calories on my watch. While this routine works for me, it doesn’t mean that it’s everybody’s cup of tea. The main message here is to listen to your body, slot your priorities into times that work for you as able, and experiment until you find what works. Being willing to change while still staying disciplined will take a load of pressure off as well. For example, I know that this routine works for me in warm weather months but in colder weather months, I’ll probably need to revert back.
Figure out a method that works within that broader schedule
I also realized that I needed to figure out a method to still be disciplined within this new routine. During the winter months, I had tried time blocking myself. From 2 pm to 3 pm, I’d complete task xyz and so on. This worked okay for me since I was used to having to conform to a calendar during my time in corporate, but there were many days where I’d feel pressure from my own time blocking or guilty if I didn’t follow it exactly.
I wanted to be able to truly embrace my autonomy and follow my inspired action when it took place. At first, getting away from the time blocking and switching up my routine was a bit chaotic for my productivity until I could find a happy medium. I personally landed on using a monthly planner from Erin Condren and planning out my days a week at a time using the key priorities I wanted to accomplish for the month. This kept me focused on my priorities and allowed me to schedule them into the week while not being tied so rigidly to an hourly schedule.
However, just because this method works for me doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone. The important takeaway is to find the method that works best FOR YOU! Allow yourself the grace to play around with different methods until you find one that works for you because once you find it, it will make a world of difference.
Take time to rest
Having a routine and discipline is great for accomplishing all that you set out to do and making the impact that is within you. But just as important as routine and discipline is allowing yourself to take time to rest. When I started my writing business, I spent a strong majority of my free time either writing, creating, editing, reading books about how to be a better writer (and now coach), or listening to podcasts. I made it to the end of March and realized that between my small business job and the business that I was trying to get up and running that I hadn’t take a day off for all of 2023. I found myself dragging myself to the computer and trying to pull information from my brain. I finally decided to take an entire weekend off. Fully off. No writing, no non-fiction reading, no to-do list items.
This break was just what I needed. I admittedly did have to work past some guilt by the time I made it to Sunday. This guilt, however, was short-lived. The next time I sat down to write and create I felt like a whole new person. Ideas were flowing to me and words were streaming onto the page. I got more done in a few hours than I was getting done in a few days prior to my break. That’s when I was reminded of the importance of rest and became determined to be more mindful of taking rest. The evidence of the benefits of the rest also allowed me to get over my guilt.
So what lessons can come out of my recent onslaught of routine shifts and discipline disruptions?
1. Rest is incredibly important
When rest is taken on a routine basis, you allow your body and mind to come back stronger and sharper than ever, actually boosting your creativity and output.
2. Find ways to combine passions with productivity
I became more productive and more fulfilled when I allowed myself to see how I could combine my passions with my priorities. For example, by choosing to kayak for a workout, I was simultaneously exercising my body, being present in nature, spending quality time with my mom, and feeding my soul.
3. Listen to your body and mind
Each person is different and unique. That’s what makes the world such a special place. That means, however, that what works for a “that girl” social media influencer may not work for you. Deep down, you know what you need. Allow yourself to channel that by listening to your body and mind and creating a routine that will allow you to be your favorite version of yourself.
If you are interested in other ways to keep a fresh mind and build up your brain, check out Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta. It is a phenomenal book that teaches the science of the brain in understandable terms and gives you practical advice on how to have your healthiest brain possible at any age.
If you feel that my content is supportive of you and your powerful journey to create a life that you love, I invite you to subscribe to my mailing list, reach out to me on Instagram @jamiedykstracreates, and comment with your thoughts. If you’re interested in scheduling a coaching session with me, reach out to me on Instagram or use the Contact Me page on my website.
Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide, professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences for those that may find them relatable and helpful.