We hear it all the time: “Get into a routine. It will focus you. You will train your body and mind. You will accomplish more. You will ultimately feel better about your day.” These are all things most of us want, and establishing a routine can be a great kick starter. But here is my gripe with routines: they get boring. Once the first few weeks or months have gone by, the initial high begins to wear off. Why? Because at the beginning, the routine is new. It’s exciting. You are high-fiving yourself for being so super (because, well, you are!).

But then you begin to tire of it, and it becomes another form of the rut you were once in. Now, don’t get me wrong – keep vibing off the awesome activities you have packed your days with – but like any relationship, workout or meal plan, we need to change things up to keep them challenging and interesting!

Instead of thinking about a routine, concentrate of finding your own rhythm. Keep everything in your schedule, but allow for flexibility. Getting into a groove rather than a regiment will make you feel in control instead of controlled. Feel like skipping your Wednesday run and doing Thursday’s yoga class instead? Do it! Lazy Saturday instead of lazy Sunday? You deserve it. The key is to make time for everything you want to set out to accomplish while listening to the needs of your body and mind.

Killing it with your new routine? Awesome! But if you feel a yawn coming on, spice things up by switching it up!

4 Juicy Pearls of Wisdom for Finding Your Rhythm:

1. Keep your balance.

Many of us are afraid to break out of our routines because we don’t want to break our stride, but breaking the rules doesn’t mean derailing ourselves. In fact, it can be a really good thing! What we need to focus on is finding our balance. If it’s important to you not to skip a day, then look to swap and substitute activities. More concerned with the bigger picture balance? Then give yourself a break on a difficult day, or push yourself extra hard if you are buzzing. Better yet, try a new activity!

2. Embrace the unexpected.

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, there are days that just don’t go as planned. Instead of fighting it, embrace your situation. If your spinning class is full, try the kickboxing class in the next studio. Your favorite lunchtime haunt closed for renovations? Give the cafe up the street a try. Who knows, you might discover a new hobby or hidden gem!

3. Add variety.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things is a fun way to stay on track while staying engaged. Trying swapping out or adding a new activity to your routine once in a while. Consult your gym, your friends, the newspaper and surf the internet to find out what cool classes and offers are on. (Hint: Several social living websites offer a plethora of courses and classes at serious discounts.)

4. Give yourself a goal.

Oftentimes, boredom sets in when there is no clear goal. We lack motivation when we don’t know why we are doing something. Be clear about what it is you aim to accomplish, or give yourself a challenge. Can’t wrap your head around running for the sake of it? Sign yourself up for a race and use it as motivation to train. Determined to improve your culinary skills? Invite friends over for a dinner party and treat them to a delicious home-made meal. Have a desire to learn to a new language? Make dates with friends who speak a foreign language, or find someone willing to teach you (and make a new friend!). Explore the city together- especially the parts with a large population that speaks the language you are learning – and use this as practice. Better yet, after you’ve got the basics down, make plans to travel to a country where the language is spoken and interact with the locals.

What’s the favorite part of your rhythm? Please share your tips and tricks with us below!

XO & Juicy Love,

The Juicy Geniuses Team