Habit Forming

I've written quite a few articles on my attempts at spontaneity and changes in habits. I appreciate routine and its benefits for my rheumatoid arthritis.

If I take my medications at the same time every day, I am less likely to feel pain because my body isn't used to the levels of certain medications in my system. My body is less likely to flare once it's conditioned to certain exercises and time stamps. There is a level of comfort and control that reduces stress, which we all know is gasoline on the fire.

A creature of habit

I will willfully say I am a creature of habit. I have had the same routine for five-plus years. I wake up and feed the dogs. I warm up Affie’s food, then I warm up Mocha’s. NEVER the other way around. I finish with the pets and return to my bedroom where I watch online TV for thirty minutes, eat breakfast, and medicate.

I used this quarantine to change my routine yet again. I felt like I was in a rut. I, of course, decided this when I realized my pet routine has been exactly the same, down to the minute, for years.

Using quarantine to change my routine

I started by waking up a bit later - where did I need to be? I fed Mocha before Affie. I took my medicines right before I ate my breakfast.

I willingly and easily changed my walk times to suit the weather. I now walk the dogs separately because they have lost their manners not meeting anyone in months. I even changed how many meals they get in a day (three smaller meals instead of two).

I even changed the time I took my naps.

I succeeded! I had a new routine and it was surprisingly easy...

I fell into a whole new rut

Until I realized this morning that I had somehow fallen into a whole new rut and there is no fire or zest in it.

I wanted to be more present, really feel and be part of every action. In an attempt to manage my RA, I somehow got on autopilot. And while my RA is doing pretty well, my brain was not.

I was stagnant. I even read my book at the exact same time every day! And, while I took in what I read, there was nothing engaging about the experience.

Life is hard enough without being boring. I have to juggle so much with my RA and basically track everything. I need some excitement in my life and falling into the same old, same old isn’t exactly what I planned.

I tried to keep my life calm

I think I could be more productive and energetic if I didn't fall into the same routine every day. A week ago, I realized it was 9 pm, and I how I got there. I was on autopilot. And, it probably feels like a lot of my life has been on autopilot.

I didn't want to rock the boat with my RA

I had so much to deal with RA-wise; I tried to keep my life as calm and basic as possible. I didn't want to rock the boat while I was managing symptoms, tracking medications, and seeing specialists. But, somehow, in an attempt for complete normalcy, I let life pass me by.

I know routine is good. It provides our minds with safety and comfort. It gives my body structure and balance.

A balance between routine and spontaneity

As you can see, I have mixed feelings about routines, habits, and spontaneity. I need to find a good mix of both. Either or is obviously not the answer. But, how do I create change and stay mindful? Do I make a conscious effort to change one thing every day? Just so it's different?

What do you think? Is your routine important to your RA management?