Big Sister Advice #10

Starting this year, in addition to the Q & A, I’ll offer you some general words of wisdom, or stuff to think about, as you find helpful.

On Routines

Routines are good for us! Having a scheduled sequence of tasks helps take some work away from our brain, because having a routine just means that you’ve made a series of decisions in advance, and you don’t have to expend energy in deciding about simple tasks every day.

Here’s the thing: as adults we need rules. This is why we need to create routines. The difference is, as adults, we decide what the rules are: what time is bedtime, whether we take baths or showers (and when we do), what meals we eat (and when), etc. These routines free up brain power so that we can imagine, and dream, and think deep thoughts.

If you’re thinking about where you can create routines I have some suggestions:

• Winding down at night

• Getting ready in the morning

• Choosing outfits for the week

• Planning out meals

• Scheduling appointments

• Creating a workout schedule

Where do you have routines created, and are there placed where you’d like life to be a bit more ordered?