We are creatures of habit.
When our routine is threatened or forcibly altered, it can be devastating.
So what happens when our routine is attacked?
What happens when our routines are abolished?
Even something as temporary as a sprained wrist of the dominant hand can devastate a person's routine, if only for a few days. Suddenly, several of the most basic activities are difficult. Writing, cooking, even 'freshening up' after going to the washroom is tough and painful.
As much as we are creatures of habit, we are also very adept at adaptation.
Read the following scenarios and take a few moments to imagine how your own routine may be altered should you ever encounter these issues:
1. A sprained wrist
2. A broken leg
3. A urinary tract infection
4. Food poisoning
5. Getting a cold or a flu
6. Suddenly requiring glasses
7. A root canal
8. Braces
9. An autoimmune liver condition
10. Appendicitis
11. Kidney stones
12. Kidney failure
13. Arthritis
14. A stroke
15. Paralysis
Many of these are temporary - so a change in routine for a short amount of time is not as intimidating compared to something more permanent.
If you were to make a list of every single part of your life that would have to change, even the smallest circumstance can feel daunting.
So what happens when you start developing several illnesses? What happens when you are forced, over and over again, to change everything about your routine?
Let's say you develop an intestinal issue that changes the way you go to the washroom, the way you can be active, the way you eat, the way you feel pain, the way your mind functions, the way you walk and speak and what you do on a daily basis.
You change your habits and routines, your diet, your routine activities and outings, your bathroom breaks, your doctor's appointments and colonoscopies on top of your schedule (which was likely packed to begin with). You become accustomed to this new way of living. You adapt.
Then, BAM!!
Here's a Liver disease.
This changes your routine again. Suddenly you are creating an entirely new diet plan, changing appointments, seeing a new doctor, and adding more bloodwork. You find a new routine that seems to work. A new set of habits that helps you balance it all.
Then, WHAM!!!
Here is a degenerative joint disease. Inflammation in joints and in the bones. A new dietary plan, another new physician, another year of learning about a brand new disease while balancing two others and your busy schedule that has not changed. One thing on top of another, conflicting medications, conflicting schedules, and adapting to an entirely new state of being, state of mind, state od living.
Then it changes again.
And again.
And again.
Here's the good news:
there is a bit of a trick. Instead of seeing these colossal changes as colossal as they are, start small. I know it is cliché to suggest taking it day by day, but it is often exactly what is required.
Instead of picturing how incredibly different your entire life is going to become because of a severe injury or illness, start small. You wake up and realize that instead of jumping out of bed, maybe you have to sit for a while until you can really get moving. Perhaps you need to go to the washroom a few times before hopping in the shower. Perhaps you need to keep a glass of water in the washroom to take your medication. Maybe you need to use your weaker arm to brush your hair.
When it comes to extensive routine changes - when it comes to drastic life changes - it can be beneficial to break it down into smaller pieces.
Making small adaptations throughout the day is much less daunting than life-altering changes.
I know, I know, easier said than done.
Just try breaking it down. It will help the future seem much less scary.