I Want to Start a Movement: Routines and Rituals = Healthy Habits

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on all the positive things KenCrest has gained during the pandemic along with what I’ve personally gained as well, which is placing higher value in routines and rituals.

During the pandemic, I established a few personal routines and rituals that I’m very grateful for. Most of them I plan to keep and there are more I want to adopt into my life. Here are the four rituals I’ve valued most:

· Running. I run at least three times a week and complete between 12 to 16 miles. I’ve been fortunate to make exercise a core part of my routine and try to do so with a group of supportive running friends!

· Sleeping. I go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time every morning. It is a refreshing feeling to create a consistent sleep schedule and can assist in productivity.

· Conversation. We have meeting practices set in place amongst leadership to ensure we hear everyone’s perspectives and ideas. It is inspiring to have learned so much and I am truly refreshed by the dialogues this practice has created.

· Gratitude. I have found multiple opportunities every day to be grateful for someone or something and express it. Opening meetings with gratitude for teammates reminds us all that there are good things happening every day and sets a positive tone for the meeting ahead.

An additional ritual that I value and want to continue to grow is shared leadership. No single person amongst our leadership team was left alone to do all they were tasked with. After seeing many employees ask how they could be more mindful and collaborative of other staff to support goals has been great to witness. This practice of sharing became not only our routine, but an expectation; at times it was what kept us moving against all odds!

Routines and rituals offer consistency and create safety. You may not have realized it, but the new routines you incorporated during the pandemic helped to keep you out of the “trunk,” by connecting you to people and activities. When you think of the pandemic, what routines and rituals kept you going?

I hope that as we continue to navigate the second half of 2021, you’ll find greater comfort and appreciation in those routines and rituals and that you’ll continue to find ones that add to your well-being.