Crushed routines and habits

Habits are automatic reactions to specific situations. We all have habits. Some are good. Some are bad.

I have a good habit of going to my condo’s gym in the morning. This “workout habit” triggers when I put on workout clothes. Putting on workout clothes is also a good habit. This “dressing habit” triggers when my alarm sounds.

A routine is a recurring sequence of actions. We all have routines. Some routines are new and require intention. Others are longstanding and automatic.

My dressing habit and workout habit are part of a “morning routine” I’ve crafted to ensure I exercise every day.

When a significant life change happens, routines stop. When routines stop, habits don’t trigger.

Without longstanding routines and habits, life gets hard. Our automated decision-making ceases and we’re forced to think about everything.

This is what most people in the world are going through right now. Social distancing is crushing our personal routines and habits.

My morning routine stopped when my condo closed its gym. Social distancing is blocking many of my other routines too.

The solution is to create new routines. New routines require intention. And intention is hard. Don’t wait until tomorrow.