Routines. We all have them, from our daily work or school schedules to the order in which we get ready for bed. Routines are normal, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort, and when they’re disrupted, can introduce great stress and anxiety into our lives. Perhaps one of the biggest recent disruptions many can relate to was COVID-19 and the sudden shift to a work-from-home model, which forced people across the world to change their routines. But routine changes don’t have to be on such a large scale for us to feel their effects and need help facing them. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to prioritize your mental and behavioral health while acclimating and adjusting to new routines.
How to Adjust to a Different Routine – 5 Tips for Making Positive Change
Take Small Steps
Change takes time. Don’t expect yourself to adapt to a new routine all at once. You’ll likely feel discouraged if you do. Rather, try to focus on one habit at a time. When working from home, for example, you might set a goal to start your day at the same time every morning. This introduces one layer of consistency. You can then add another new habit to your routine, such as a set break time, easing into these changes without overwhelming yourself.
Accept Imperfection
Whether you’re adapting to summer vacation with the kids home all day long or your return to the office, there are going to be slip-ups. You might have a hectic morning or run late to a meeting, or have to let something go from your to-do list. While it’s easy to feel discouraged when life feels out of your control, try to practice self-forgiveness and acknowlege the fact that there’s no such thing as perfect. Give yourself a fresh start as often as you need to. If you see a behavioral health therapist, they can help you create mantras to recenter when your new routine feels challenging.
Utilize Your Support Network
Your support network can be a great resource when you’re adjusting to a new routine. If you’re struggling to adjust to a work-from-home routine, having trouble adapting to a new schedule, or keep tripping up over a different way to get about your day, your friends can likely empathize with your situation. They might even have useful tips and words of comfort to offer, so lean on those friends and family members to help you feel less alone during your transition.
Practice Self-Care
Adapting to new daily routines takes work, and that work can drain your resources. Self-care is essential for emotional and physical well-being, especially when you’re adjusting to a new normal. Recharge through hobbies, regular exercise, time with loved ones, and time in nature, whatever sparks joy in your life. The ideal self-care routine will look different for everyone. Whether you’re reading a book or riding your bike, these activities can reduce stress and help you operate as your best self.
Ask for Help
You don’t need to adjust to your new routine on your own. Mental health counseling services are a great resource for anyone going through a stressful transition, as a mental health professional can give you specific tools for coping with a new routine through individual counseling. These appointments are also a safe place to talk through your thoughts, challenges, and small victories. You’ll likely find yourself coping more effectively with the help of a counselor.
If you’re adjusting to a new routine or coping with change, the mental and behavioral health professionals at SOL Mental Health are here to support you. We offer a wide range of services at our mental health clinics, including individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, psychological assessments, health coaching, and yoga for mental health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed mental health professionals.
Does my insurance cover a therapist at SOL Mental Health?
SOL Mental Health is partnered with several insurance providers to make our services more accessible to you. You can verify your insurance through our website before scheduling an appointment.