Sometimes routine is perceived as the opposite of spontaneity, but that’s an ill-founded perception. Routine and spontaneity are not rivals. Rather, routine enables strategically well-rounded, grounded functionality that can in turn open the door for healthy acts of spontaneity.
Key tip: If you’re newly creating a routine or trying to enhance your daily routine, it’s vital to consider what is truly attainable so that you may avoid giving up or becoming guild-laden when unable to keep your behaviors in line with the routine.
If we have a routine in place that enables us to meet each category of our needs (a category that is much more extensive than simply food, shelter, sleep, and water), we create a continuity of care for ourselves and our environments that enables us to choose spontaneity, when desired and appropriate, in ways that neither hinder nor damage us.
For example, eating a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie can be great. Eating only cookies is problematic. Going on vacation is restorative, going on vacation every week may equal financial distress. Exercise has many benefits, but deciding to run a marathon and running said marathon on the same day can lead to serious injury. Sleep is vital, sleeping at your desk may lead to termination. Staying out late can be social and fun, but staying out late every night may cause sleep deficiencies and general harm.
There are many things in life that are good, that meet our needs, and that are restorative, but we need the balance of healthy routines to enable adaptive, productive spontaneity.
Is your routine serving you?
Is it empowering a whole life that leaves room for acts of fun spontaneity?
How are you finding balance?
How can you grow in this area?
Writing by Merrell Miles, Intern
Photo by Keira Burton from Pexels
