I’m a creature of habit. I love my routines. I think I have a ritual for everything; actions I must take when I wake up, and before I go to sleep, exercise, cook, clean, write.
Conventional wisdom is routines are good for us for a variety of reasons. They keep us focused on the tasks we’re working on, which increases our productivity. I’ve also read the predictability of routines helps reduce stress. I’m good with that.
I worked with a magazine editor who had to chew bubble gum and play music before she could write her articles. Sadly, she shared an office with another editor who needed complete silence. I’m not kidding. You could cut the tension between them with a knife.
Our editor-in-chief at the magazine had to have two cups of coffee before he could “hear” us. To be fair, I could empathize. I didn’t understand why he had to remove his shoes and socks after lunch, though. ((Insert shrug.))
Most of my routines are pretty basic. For example, before I exercise, I use the bathroom. I need an empty bladder before I work out for an hour. The funny thing is, if I don’t use the bathroom before I work out—if I skip that routine—the entire time I’m working out, I have the Phantom Full-Bladder Feeling. It’s annoying.
My writing routine is more involved. There are five basic steps. Each is deliberate and takes place in order.
Step 1. Turn on the light in my office.
Step 2. Close my office door.
Step 3. Start my aromatherapy.
Step 4. Open the curtains.
Step 5. Boot up my laptop.
This routine eases me back into my story world. It’s like a short cut back into my manuscript. It almost makes the writing easier. Almost.
I’ve found developing routines to be easier than breaking a habit. For example, years ago, my husband and I would go for Italian ices after our evening walks in a nearby park. Super delicious. We’d walk for an hour after dinner, then take a slight detour on our way home to the Italian ice shop. But after a year or so, our “spot” raised its prices. Then raised it again. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy to drop that habit, at least not for me. Those ices are. So. Good. It took me several months to stop shaking every time we drove past the turn that would take us to the shop. Ha!
Questions: Do you follow any routines? If so, how do your routines help you?
Chicks on the Case 
I follow a routine, especially with my blog. When I wake up and do the morning stuff (shower, etc.) I go to my nook, take my medications, put on morning news, open laptop, scan emails, go to blog and send out the day’s guest post. Then logon to Facebook and send morning greetings which also confirms the day. Then I respond to the emails before spending a few hours doing blog housekeeping.
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