Humans are creatures of habit. We like routine because it provides us a sense of predictability and security. It also allows us to make certain plans that don’t change on a whim.
One of the many reasons I became a digital nomad is to avoid the larger and monotonous routines. I don’t want to think that what I’m doing this week will be replicated 52 times a year, for the majority of my working life. Thanks, but no thanks.
Being a digital nomad provides regular new-ness to daily life. It keeps things engaging and challenging. The flip side however is that constant new-ness can be overwhelming.
Therefore, creating mini-routines in your schedule keeps certain moments predictable. It keeps your lizard brain happy and calm while you explore new cities.
So, what exactly is a mini-routine? Things like
- Always having breakfast at a specific time and eating mostly the same thing
- Going to the same coffee shop after lunch
- Picking up your life partner when she’s finished work and walking her home
- Doing laundry on the same day of the week
- Writing a daily email and/or hosting a podcast 😉
You set up these mini-routines whenever you arrive in a new place, whether it’s for a few days or a few months. Mini-routines can change from location to location, but you can build a library of them and pull one out when needed.
The takeaway
Long-term routines make life boring. Mini-routines keep certain moments in place while creating space to allow new experiences to flourish.