My husband and I are both creatures of routine/habit. 365 days a year, at 3:50 AM, we walk past the above lighted nook, and through the lighted kitchen, he takes Jake outside, and while Jake does his thing, Bob swims several times back and forth in the pool. I am in the kitchen, dumping our pill boxes for both of us into little cups. I am putting a ware washcloth on my eyes to get the allergies from the night out, steaming my head over a small pot of water. Bob and Jake come inside, Jake gets 3 treats from each of us, Bob gets his coffee and heads back to bed. I have to wait 30 minutes because of my Thyroid pill, I go back to bed and we talk, at 4:20 I walk past the nook and into the kitchen, get my cup of coffee and back to bed.
At 4:50, Mon-Fri we get up and dress, leaving for the YMCA pool at 5:17 arriving at 5:30 when the doors open. Back home at 6:30 for breakfast.
At 4:50 on Saturday we get up and attack the floors. Sweeping and cleaning glass doors and table top is my job, mopping, vacuuming is his job. I remove the bed linens, place in washer.
At 6:20 I leave him cooking his breakfast, stop in garage and put linens in dryer, and walk in Wal-Mart at 6:30 and back home by 7:30 unless I dawdle until 8...
This never changes unless someone is sick, which is rare. Most people think we are crazy, but I found this article that gives 7 reasons why a person is healthier and happier when they follow a routine.
I always think the same thought when I walk from the hall and see our big room in the dark, the thought is. I love this room. It gives me peace and joy to walk into it. And Bob feels the same way. 28 years of this room and we still feel the same.
we get up, go to bed, eat our meals all at the same times each day... we are never late, always early
If you call after 8 pm you will wake us up, we love our routine.. 33 years of it.. this is our retirement routine, when we worked, we went to work not the YMCA.. but still had a routine.
Validated I AM... by Ms West. whomever she may be... The best thing of all if the FBI shows up at our door and says "where were you at 6:20 AM on Saturday" I will KNOW... it never changes.
The Psychology of Daily Routines by Brianna West... 7 reasons why people who do the same daily routine seem to be happier than those who chase adventure.
24 comments:
I have read over and over that our bodies need routine. Believe it or not, we keep a routine as well. It is just kind of opposite yours, as we are night owls. Ever since I was a teenager, I have felt better and healthier this way. And I have read that many people are actually wired one way or the other. So you get up at 3:50, I thought it was at 4:00. Your nook picture is so pretty! And I like your kitchen in the dimness. Do you leave the stove light on all night? You are not only content with what you have, you are still loving it after all these years. And that makes you a very wise woman! Nothing beats the feeling of loving and feeling safe in your home. I have to take a thyroid pill too. And wait at least 30 minutes before coffee or anything else.
Great post Sandra, we are creatures of habit, that’s for sure.
I have always been an early riser, even as a teenager. I often go to bed while the sun is out! lol
Although in my heart I do not like routine I know that we are in one. lol
Briony
x
I've always preferred to stick to a routine and it throws me if something out of the ordinary gets thrown in. I hate being told last minute that I need to do something. I need time to work it in to the routine..lol Mine isn't quite as scheduled as yours though.
I like a set plan for the day but it may vary day to day.
You may have set me on a better plan. While I like to get up at 6 a.m. I tend to make myself go back to sleep if I wake 4-5 a.m. and then I dream and wake up with a headache.
Sandra, can you put some of that in a box and send it to me? Thehubs and I had a morning routine when we worked for a large company. Since we semi-retired and work for ourselves, our routine is NOT! My mom has always had a routine and she is a healthy 89 years old. I can’t even pick a favorite color, when I get asked I say rainbow! Lol have a wonderful day!
Oh my goodness....in my early yrs I was never a creature of routine but as I got older I was in some ways. When it came to my drive to and from work I looked for different routes....just so I would not be that creature. But as I read your blog today I realized I am in a way, not like you guys but I get up and I do my coffee while I fb and blog. From there, anybodies guess! haha...even when it comes to the barn and days of feeding, my times are never the same! Course being a creature of routine helps you to be organized better...and that is one area I am all over the page with. Thanks for sharing...
I 100% agree about a routine being good for the mind and spirit.
We still wake up at 6 am just like we did when we worked. Folks often seem surprised we get up so early but it works for us. Out the door by 8 am for our daily 1 hour walk 5 days a week. All this stays the same unless I mistakenly put Aveeno in my hair instead of mousse then I have to add 5 minutes to the routine to wash it again.
That is a beautiful room you know you are in with the IN CROWD now a totally white kitchen is what all buyers want on House Hunters.
Thus far mousse on the face has changed nothing.
Hugs Cecilia
Thanks for the validation, Sandra, that a routine is not a bad thing, As a fan of podcasts, one I heard the other day talked about sleep routines and the speaker (who also wrote a book on sleep) said that folks should stick to their normal sleep routines, no matter what. For example, if a person regularly goes to bed at 10 pm and wakes at say 7 pm, then on the weekend stays up much later he.she should not sleep in to "make up" any sleep time. Somehow, doing so would be more detrimental. I don't have the same daily or weekend routine as you and Bob, but do go to the in-house gym every morning and spend an hour on the treadmill or other equipment, and try to be in bed by 11 pm or earlier.
That's your story and you're sticking to it :) I have read that also...that it helps to have a daily routine. I know I sleep better if I stay with a bedtime routine.
You two are amazing. I can't imagine getting up at that time in the morning. People think I'm crazy getting up at 6 am. Don't get me wrong, I have a routine but my day ends around 11 pm. The thing I have to add to my routine is more exercise and I'm looking forward to Mark and I having a routine when he retires.
We also have a routine but it has flexibility built into it now. Our many moves and travels with time changes demand it. And we are dependent on support workers for Buddy’s baths and skin care and they ask to have time changes. We are up later now so both guys sleep till 8:30. I am awake between 6 and 7nand get up to fed the cat and then head back to my bed to read on my device as hubby gets super angry now if disturbed. Dementia makes people hard to understand and live with because things change on a dime:{ This morning was one where hubby refused rto go and say good morning to Buddy. No reason and opted to yell at me before heading out to his office. Buddy’s bath guy failed to show at 10 but is here now. Go with the flow is how I must live. I had time to write a blog today. Tohight we are to go to the opera as we have season tickets. My job now is to get the three of us there by 7:30 pm.
Uh-oh. No-one told me not to lay down after taking my thyroid medicine! (Not that I've ever done so, but still ...)
You've no idea how I needed to see this! (Besides enjoying the opportunity to know you better.) So far this retirement business isn't all I dreamed ... because heretofore I've always been so agenda-driven. Now, no agenda; I'm feeling like that proverbial fish out of water. 'Keeping my eyes and ears wide open!
hari OM
Absolutely, a routine is essential for mental and physical well-being; it ties into the survival mode of being equal to security. However, it is also good, every now and then, to have some interruption. It adds interest and 'brain' fodder. I don't bed particularly early, but am an early riser, but have whole nights of not sleeping... my routine is to be erratic!
Yes, am back in the Hutch; no more dealing via the YAMroid (little tablet). YAM xx
That much routine would drive Dave and I crazy.
It works for you and Bob and 33 years to prove it.
Being retired really does change things for us..making the routine not so strict.
I love how you said you love coming into your room and saying how much you like it. I do the same thing almost every day as I sit down to have my eggs and coffee at the computer in the dining room. The easterly sunshine spills through the windows and makes the prettiest shadows. I am totally content to live here in our "Forever" home.
Oh my goodness - you've accomplished more by 6:30AM than I often do in a whole day!!!! I can see the benefit if the FBI ever questions you. I'd be lost if you asked me about 2 days earlier but you'd always be able to answer!
I enjoy hearing your happiness with your life, your big room, and your routine. You and Bob are a perfect pair!!!!
I'm a believer in routines, and follow the same pattern most every day.
In fact, when I am sidetracked I feel totally disoriented :)
Our bedtime is the same each night, and we rise the same time each morning.
I think your daily routine is perfect, kudos to you both !
Hugs,
~Jo
We definitely like our routine even in retirement. But mine doesn't start 'quite' that early! heehee! It's nice to have set times to eat and sleep...keeps you healthy! I don't like getting up when it's still dark outside though! Way to go...both of you! Hugs, Diane
I try to blend routine with adventure! Wherever I am, I am up at 5:45am and to bed by 10pm. I eat my meals around the same time every day (7:30, 1:30 and 6pm), I do try to mix up what's in between tho :-).
I tell you this - I would like more of a schedule than I have. I mean I can do a schedule but some thing or some person will change it and I have to change! The key was Bob liked doing it with you.
Hey,as long as it works for both of you, than carry on.My philosophy is,"if it ain't broke, than don't fix it."
It is good you have the routine and like it...I would like to get in a routine but kind of hard. I get up and stay quiet till Roger can sleep...but I do do certain things almost the same way every morn.
I have not read the article, but I want to before the night is over.
I love your routine and I am like Ginny! Ours is the opposite of yours but fits us. Actually, we really don't have a firm routine as everything changes around and we must change with it. I have learned to be flexible.
I love how we love our lives!
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