A Productive Routine — Tveen Verano mph, RD

To say I've been out of my usual routine lately would be a complete understatement. Since getting married about 6 weeks ago, life has been AMAZINGLY different. Being married to the man of my dreams is beyond wonderful. We still have moments when we don't believe we are actually married. We've loved decorating our cozy apartment and coming home to each other at night. It's been a fun adventure, and I can't wait to see what life holds for us.

But, with that said, my routine has flown out the window! If you know me, you know that I am a very routined and scheduled person. I love consistency, and I love when I am productive. But within the last 6 weeks, I got married, moved away from home, and got a new job. I am now a renal dietitian at a dialysis center and am still learning the ropes and getting trained. I work much earlier than I used to, usually starting at 7am. There have been SO many changes to my life in 40 short days, and it's definitely been hard to adjust.

Before the wedding, I rarely skipped a morning workout. Now, I am struggling to get a workout in most days of the week. I LOVE working out. It's a huge stress reliever for me, and it gives me energy for my day. But morning workouts have not been consistent. This morning, I got the 21 day fix lower body workout in, and it felt AMAZING. But let me tell you, 5am workouts, which used to be part of my "normal routine" have been difficult.

Luckily, the hubby and I LOVE home cooked food. We have been eating at home 90% of the time, and that has really helped with the whole feeling healthy thing! But when we have date night, we HAVE date night. Like these tacos, rice, and beans last week...amazing. No regrets whatsoever. And yes, I ate the whole thing! :)

Life can be crazy and not as routined as we would like. Especially in a season of change, it can be difficult to get a grip of your life, your schedule, and your goals. I've been thinking about this a lot, and how change...well...changes everything! God has been teaching me a lot, first and foremost to rely on Him, and a few other teachings as well!

1. I need to show myself some grace. If I am not perfect, that's OK! I came across this quote on Pinterest today (of course) and it was like a lighbulb moment for me.

I've tried being perfect my whole life, and it just wasn't for me. It's exhausting, confusing, isolating, and just plain IMPOSSIBLE. I know this. And yet, I do need to remind myself of the fact that perfectionism can just make me so plain unhappy.

2. Make a schedule. As much as I want to be a roll with the punches type of person, I'm just not. A lack of a plan or schedule gives me major anxiety! I want to be more consistent with planning out my workouts for the week and looking ahead at what my upcoming days look like. I'm busting out my dusty planner that I used to utilize extensively, and planning out my work schedules, workouts, meals, and family events. Planning my workouts and my days will help me feel a little more routined and feel some more peace with my new life!

3. SLEEP. Sleep is huge. Lack of sleep can make everything seem so out of control! This morning, I felt SO rested when I woke up, which is why I did my early morning workout. Sleep is crucial and is such a priority. So if you want to have a more routined and productive day, place sleep at the top of your list.

4. Know my priorities. Moments with my husband, my family, and my friends are my top priority. My faith and my quiet time with Jesus is a priority. Taking care of my body, working out, and feeding myself good food is a priority. Watching hours and hours of Netlflix is fun, but not a priority. Even though I need those mind-numbing moments as well (and trust me, I get enough of them!), I know I feel much more productive when I spend most of my time on my priorities and less time on things that don't bring me any benefit or personal development.

There you have it folks. Forgive yourself, make a plan, sleep/rest, and prioritize your life. Things will go well with you, and you will learn what routine works for the particular season of life that God has brought you to. Life is a beautiful adventure that is meant to be lived. I am loving life right now, and loving figuring things out as an adult. God is teaching me so much about myself and about the kind of life He wants me to lead. It's definitely been a growth experience, but well worth it! God knows what He is doing, just entrust your plans, goals, and routines to Him!