When Life Gets Messy: How I'm finding My Way Back To Routine

kayleighfiddler
Jul 29, 2025
3 min read

This has been something I’ve struggled with for a very long time.

Since I was little, routine has been an important part of my life — something I’ve leaned on for stability, safety, and structure. And without it, I always felt like I was failing.

But let’s be real — life doesn’t always follow our carefully curated routines.

Over the past couple of weeks, everything’s felt a little off. From long days at work to family time and prepping for our upcoming vacation, my structure slowly slipped away. The gym sessions didn’t happen when they were supposed to. My morning habits felt rushed. Even the little things — like eating regular meals or drinking enough water — felt like a struggle.

And honestly, I’ve been feeling a little “off.”

If you’ve ever been in that weird in-between of wanting to stay on track, but also needing to breathe and let go… you’re not alone.

At least, that’s what I’m learning.

Out of Routine Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong

I’ve gone through this cycle a few times now. And every time it happens, you’ll notice: I go quiet online, my habits slip, and everything feels like it’s crumbling — like I’m shrinking into myself. But each time, it teaches me something new.

Being out of routine doesn’t mean I’m failing — it just means I’m living.

Life isn’t perfect. Energy shifts. Some weeks are smooth and structured. Others? Messy, unpredictable, and overwhelming.

Routines are meant to support us, not suffocate us.

They’re tools, not rules. And sometimes, stepping away helps us figure out which parts are actually serving us — and which parts we’ve outgrown.

During this time away from my normal schedule, I realized how much I missed the little rituals that ground me. Like sipping my morning coffee slowly. Moving my body in a way that feels good. Writing blogs like this, just to connect.

**One of the little rituals that grounds me — slow mornings, warm water, and getting lost in a good book.**

What I’m Doing to Reset — Gently

Instead of diving headfirst into a 100-step reset plan, I’m choosing a softer return. No pressure. No “all-or-nothing” mindset. Just small actions that help me feel like me again.

**Soft mornings. Warm sips. Quiet starts. This is how I come back.**

Here’s what that looks like for me this week:

Starting my mornings slow — maybe with lemon water, a smoothie, and a few deep breaths before diving into the day… or maybe sleeping in and letting my body rest. (Whatever happens, happens.)
Getting this blog up (finally!) — because writing is something I love and it keeps me connected with you.
Planning the week with flexibility — leaving room for life to happen, giving myself grace if meals aren’t perfect. With vacation starting Friday, I’m just trying to stay grounded and make it through the week.

It’s not about snapping back into routine for the sake of it.

It’s about asking: “What actually supports me right now?”

And right now?

I just need to get to Friday. Regular life can resume on Tuesday, August 5th.

If You’re Out of Routine Too…

Please give yourself some grace.

You haven’t failed. You’re not behind. You’re human.

Maybe you’ve been sick, overwhelmed, traveling, working too much, or just emotionally exhausted. Maybe your mental health needs more attention than your to-do list right now. Whatever it is — it’s okay.

Try starting with one small thing today.

One habit. One healthy choice. One quiet moment. Let that be enough.

Then tomorrow? Maybe you do another.