The Benefits of Routine
The benefits of a daily routine have been well discussed the past several years for increasing focus, automating your productivity, reducing mental fatigue, and much more! So well discussed, in fact, I've avoided providing my take on the subject (although I may still if I cultivate a unique enough perspective to share.)
One benefit of a daily routine I've noticed, but not read about, is an overall sense of feeling grounded. I'll explain what I mean by that.
I Work form Home
I'm lucky enough to have a day job that's allowed me to work from home for three out of the past four years (one of those years I spent living in NYC, going to an office.) While working from home presents its own challenges that daily routines can assist with, I've noticed a new ailment that comes with the territory: a chronic sense of displacement. That is, a feeling of mental disorganization that often conflicts with an organized reality I have built for myself - I suspect this is a symptom of performing 80+% of my tasks (personal & professional) in one place: my apartment.
I imagine working from home exacerbates a feeling that other non-remote workers might experience to a much lesser degree. And, this is more than just about not having a social life as it persists with engaging in social activities.
An Experiment
I need another grounding point - a place I return to frequently (preferably on a schedule) other than my apartment (which, the home, might be the primary grounding point for most people.)
I'm kind of thinking of it like the character Desmond's concept of a "constant" in the TV show LOST.
Recently, thanks to all the new Star Wars content consistently being released by Disney, I've developed an interest in comic books. There's a comic book store about a mile away from me and (I didn't know this) apparently new comics come out every week on the same day: Wednesday.
Perfect for a new Weekly Routine
Every Wednesday, in the early afternoon before I start work, I'll stroll to the comic shop, pickup my new Start Wars books/whatever else gauges my interest while talking to staff/getting to know them over time, and then simply walk back. The entire process should take about an hour, which I think is a good amount of time to test out a new routine.
[Here's one of the series I just started following, if you're interested.]
I probably won't be able to give you a useful update for a month or two after I write this, however I will report on my progress.
Have any ideas? Comment below!
If you have any advice or feedback on what I've written here (the routine or even another solution to my issue,) please let me know in the comments below. Also consider upvoting this post if you enjoyed the content!