Sometimes I don’t these days. Retirement has been wonderful, but the steady routine of knowing I was going to work five days a week was way less complex than varying volunteer activities and work shifts, plus getting my aging parents to appointments.
The calendar function in my phone has become a lifeline. So has the task function, with its many lists and reminder alarms. I sometimes add in the pomodoro app to keep me on task, and I often take a few minutes at the end of the day to review what I have actually accomplished, so I don’t get overwhelmed by what I didn’t get done. And more than once each week, I do turn to either my phone or watch to confirm that today is indeed Friday (or only Wednesday, and I still have time).
Do I regret the new lifestyle? Only a little. I would like to be able to sleep later in the morning, but the insomnia means I make it to the pool in time for the weekly 6:45 start of lifeguarding shift. Otherwise, I am thriving on doing things that give me joy or (hopefully) help make the world a little better. Regularly scheduled classes and swim practice are firm anchors that give me boundaries and structure. And I can usually find time for a quick nap if I really need one.
How about you? What tips and tricks do you use to get through your week? Are you someone who thrives on variety, or do you prefer a steady routine?