I’ve developed a few routines for my day to help things go smoother—including some physical and mental exercises like planking, yoga, writing. I’ve done these long enough that I don’t need to think about it; I just move from one habit to the next. That’s what I love about repetition.
But what happens when that routine gets disrupted? Like after my recent accident, when the cast on my arm prevented me from doing planks, certain yoga poses, and my daily bike rides—all personal traditions that help keep my mind and body in balance. It would be easy for this to throw me off completely. When a wrench gets thrown into the mix, where do we go from there?
I realize how easily something like this could disrupt my peace. My routines are my anchors—they make life manageable. When something shakes them up, it has the ability to agitate me. But the truth is, this kind of thing will always happen. We live in an uncertain world, but we can rely on disruptions. Discomfort is inevitable.
So, here’s what I try to keep in mind:
- Admit Things Are Different: It’s okay to feel sad about the disturbance. I let myself mourn the loss of my old routine—just enough to acknowledge that it’s gone. That way, I can be realistic with what’s happening now.
- Sometimes, Disruptions Are Welcome: Sometimes, it’s a pleasant change—like a friend visiting during my scheduled bike ride, or being on vacation without access to my usual setup. Those moments aren’t a loss; they’re a gift in a different way.
- Accepting the Change: There’s no other choice but to adapt. Maybe there’s no immediate replacement for my usual practice—I might need to wait, or get creative. Flexibility is required, and sometimes a challenge. I need to know that it won’t feel right for a while, and be okay with that.
- It Will Be Exhausting: Routines make things easier, and when they’re disrupted, it suddenly takes a lot more energy to navigate through the day. It’s okay if I feel more tired than usual while adjusting. This kind of shift can really take it out of us.
Even if it were possible for me to be perfect about my routine every day (it’s not), life has a way of “life-ing.” Routines are great, habits are valuable, but flexibility is a must. It’s a huge muscle for building resilience—and it’s what lets us adjust to whatever life throws at us. And life will always throw something.
We practice mindfulness, resilience, and flexibility because they’re the real long-term plan. As I adapt my routine, I focus on what I can still do: meditation, gratitude, and small exercises that keep my mind and body engaged. Practicing flexibility doesn’t always come naturally; it’s tiring, and it takes patience. But it’s worth it. The more I build that muscle, the less likely I will crumble when things inevitably change.
ACTION: The next time your routine is disrupted, practice accepting the change without resistance. Notice how your body and mind react, and choose one small way to adapt—maybe it’s taking a deep breath, shifting your focus, or adjusting your schedule slightly to accommodate the new situation.
