How to Maintain Routine Whilst Traveling, the James Clear way
It’s no secret that I love James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits.’ For those of you who’ve not heard of it, Atomic Habits is one of the best-selling books of all time in the productivity world. To summarise it, the book gives an in-depth and science-based understanding on how you can remove bad habits and introduce good habits into your life with some simple four steps processes. The idea is that if you integrate a small, very consistent change into your life that you want to see, it will then go on to become something that’s automated and so part of who you were.
Think, 1% better every day.
WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO DO WITH TRAVELLING?
A great question.
Travelling brings many perks but for me, maintaining a routine, especially when traveling or van life, can be a real challenge. Whilst I know I should run a few times a week, drink x amount of water and keep my Spanish topped up on Duolingo, I easily get distracted by new shiny things. Or you know, the van breaking down or it taking all day to get across border control.
The dissonance between knowing what I should be doing and not doing it, used to drive me mad. The secret is not being hard on yourself, travel carries a high mental load - you are constantly on the move, thinking about your next steps, language barriers, insects, safety - you name it. You can only try your best.
So what can I do to help keep routine whilst travelling?
What you do on a daily basis is who you are. You are what you repeatedly do.
The thing that often prevents routine, is waiting for the right circumstance.
As an example:
‘I can’t possibly go for a run today because I wanted to do 5k, it’s too hot, I’ve lost my water bottle, there might be a lunar eclipse and an alien landing.’
Loads of reasons why you can’t run 5k, right?
So run for 10 minutes.
Get the endorphins going, let off some steam.
If you are what you repeatedly do, then guess what?
Even 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes a day makes you a runner.
Success is the product of daily habits not once-in-a-lifetime transformation
KEEPING TRACK
If you’re anything like me, it’s very easy to forget what healthy habits you’re trying to build. I will arrive in a new country and *poof,* it’s tumbleweed-y up there. Funnily enough, the bad habits creep back quicker than the good ones!
I try to write things on my notes, structure my days with planners but nothing sticks.
Until my man James Clear launched… Atoms, ‘the worlds most comprehensive app for building good habits and breaking bad ones.’
The app gets you to define your habits with a simple structure that encourages breaking down goals into manageable actions, reinforcing the idea that every small step is a nod toward the person you want to become.
With engaging and endorphin boosting features (think the euphoria of scribbling something off a to-do list), the aim is to transform the often-dreary task of sticking to your goals into something you look forward to doing.
Though it's one among mannyyyy habit-building apps, Atoms sets itself apart with a content library and daily lessons. Kind of like a constant, helpful companion no matter where your travels take you.
It’s like a Duolingo, habit edition.
Pricing full disclaimer: I’m currently only in the free trial period which is 21 days. It’s pricey for the premium version, so I will let you know if I stick to my habit guns. However, since using the free version, I have managed to wake up early, drink water, eat better and run and generally stay alive whilst travelling around Portugal - so you know, not a bad investment!
