Similar to setting a weekly rhythm, you can help prevent burnout by establishing habits and routines. Cultivating habits and routines that serve you well can make life a bit more effortless and stress levels lower. We know this is true with our students– the same must be true for us!
A habit is a way of doing things that has become intrinsic and automatic. This means that accomplishing the activity is effortless and requires little to no mental energy to complete. Your habit of brushing your teeth is an example. You don’t have to put much active thought into it, nor do you specifically mark the activity on your schedule to be certain you get it done daily. It just gets done.
A routine may take a bit of thought, but it is another repetitive activity that has become easy and effortless over time, freeing up more time for the things that require your mental focus and energy. Making your way through your local grocery store is an example of a routine. You likely approach the store aisles based on the items you need, and have memorized the general layout of the store. It takes very little effort for you to move through the store purposefully with precision, ensuring little time is wasted.
Creating micro-habits and routines can enhance your efficiency and decrease your stress load. Even looking beyond the big habits and routines and fine-tuning your day-to-day activities can result in less stress and an easier life.
A simple tweak like washing dishes as you prepare a meal can reduce clean-up time by half an hour per day. Learn to clean up after each step as you prepare your meal. Make a habit of throwing away garbage as you prep and cook. Rinse your dishes and put them in the dishwasher as you move through meal prep. When it comes time to sit down, all that is left to be cleaned afterwards are dinner plates and serving dishes. Wow, what a change!
What are some habits and routines that would make your life easier?
Ask yourself these questions:
✓What part of your day-to-day activities causes you the most stress?
✓What habits and routines do I already have in place that work well?
✓What activities could I further streamline if I created a habit or routine?
✓Is there a more efficient way for me to do any of my daily activities?
✓How can I help my family create a habit that will serve us all?
You are one habit away from streamlining your efforts and making your life easier to manage simply by creating a routine that saves time and eases stress. Enjoy your newfound peace and relaxation as you hone your skills to make life better.
Daily Challenge:
Choose one day-to-day activity that causes you stress. Find a way to integrate it into another activity or do little bits throughout the day.
For example, if you hate working out but know you want to get more exercise in, could you begin “walking meetings” at school, or challenge yourself to only sit down in between classes?
Be creative! Every little step you can make towards accomplishing your goals without expending too much brainpower (and incorporating it into what you already do) will help build your resilience against burnout.
