It’s funny how powerful routine is.

Take exercise, for example. If I try to find time for exercise, I’ll do it sporadically. If I make it part of the way I get to work, and I think of it as a cheaper, healthier alternative to taking the subway, then I exercise without needing to make time for it. (Someday, I’ll build in weights, flexibility, and cardio too.)

Or vegetables and fruits: after we switched to making our lunches a week in advance, we found ourselves forgetting to go into the fridge and eat fresh fruits and vegetables, so they spoiled. Now, if I’m hungry when I get home, I make a beeline for the broccoli, and I make that part of our meals. (Which doesn’t preclude, say, raiding the pantry for instant noodles… Mmm…)

I find it helpful to outline my routines for mornings, evenings, and weekends. I leave enough room to be flexible, of course. =) And it’s relaxing to mentally run through my routines for the next day.

Things I need to work back into my routines: writing, sketching, library runs (tend to be weekends), reading…

Maybe this is part of growing up: gradually smoothening the roads you travel, while not getting stuck in ruts.

What are your favourite routines and rituals?