For several years, I reached for my iPad when I woke up to check the news, reading articles about current events and the caregiving experience. A few years ago, I added games to my habit; playing four games, including Wordle, before getting up. I spent about 45 minutes in bed reading and playing the games.
When I cared for my parents, the slow start to my day was a relief and a short escape from the demands of the day before those demands wore me out.
A few months after my parents death, I realized this slow start delays the beginning of my day. I stayed in bed longer and longer, which meant the hours in my day became shorter.
I had a habit that once helped that now morphed into an excuse to delay the day.
I figured this out when I didn’t correctly guess the Wordle a few weeks ago; the answer was “aging.” I was so mad! I then spent too long feeling irritated that I didn’t get a word so common to my work that I hear it every day. I also realized I let my success rate with the games impact my day too much. I lost the play part of the games.
Two weeks ago, I decided to change my habit. I now immediately get out of bed, make my bed and stretch. I delay checking the news until a mid-morning coffee break and playing the games until my lunch break. I feel so much better about how I spend my days.
We can take a few moments to review our habits to make sure they really do work. We can ask ourselves at the start our day: What’s my habit that’s now just my excuse?
The answer to the question will help us form a better ritual.
What’s the habit that’s become your excuse?
(Image by Pexels from Pixabay.)