Now that the “back to school” craziness is over and you are starting to get into a routine, are you finding yourself frustrated, aggravated or annoyed as it isn’t going as planned?
So many of us are in that space, understandably so as life can get BUSY.
Let me help with some strategies to help you be successful.
Getting into a routine mentally is all about gradually aligning your thoughts, habits, and environment to support consistency.
Here are some ideas that build success (research says so!):
1. Start Small
Don’t try to overhaul your entire life at once. Pick one or two key habits to anchor your routine—like waking up at the same time most days or journaling for five minutes.
2. Tie It to a Trigger
- Use an existing habit or event as a cue. For example:
- After brushing your teeth, go for a short walk.
- After your first coffee, open your planner.
- Your brain starts associating one action with the next.
3. Visualize Your Routine
- Before bed or in the morning, mentally walk through your day, visualizing:
- What time will you wake up?
- What’s the first thing you’ll do?
- When will you rest or take breaks?
- This primes your mind to follow through.
4. Accept Resistance
You will feel like skipping it sometimes. That’s not failure—it’s part of the process. The goal is consistency, not perfection. Keep showing up.
5. Create a Routine Map
- Even a simple checklist helps:
- Wake up by 6:00 am
- Stretch for 5 mins (this can be done while still in bed!)
- Make bed, straighten sleeping space (these simple habits create a strong start to a successful day)
- Plan day while enjoying coffee (keep the day’s plan SIMPLE. Remember, spread out your To Do List over 5 days at a time)
Having this written down gives your brain something to follow.
6. Reflect Briefly
At the end of the day, ask:
- What worked today?
- What felt off?
- What do I want to keep?
This gives you feedback to adjust and improve without judgment.
Routines offer predictability. Predictability offers a sense of safety and comfort. Be good to yourself by creating habits that heal, and help you live your very best life.
Casye LeRay, LPC Associate, under the supervision of Beth Clardy Lewis, is a licensed professional therapist associate at Vervewell Counseling in Fort Worth, TX, specializing in therapy for adolescents (10+), teenagers (13+), and young adults. With a background in both education and counseling, Casye offers flexible after-hours, weekend, and telehealth appointments to accommodate busy schedules. Based in the Near Southside District, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy to empower clients in setting healthy boundaries, managing stress, and strengthening coping mechanisms while building a positive sense of self.
STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT EMAIL
We are bringing our podcast back!!! Cleverly titled This Won’t Be Done By 5, which gives a nod to the human condition which simply holds no deadlines. We are very excited to discuss all things mental health and wellness…
