Why I Just Cancelled My Evening Writing And Reading Rituals

I’m the kind of person who loves a good routine. I have a morning routine, an evening routine, and all kinds of routines that fit in between. Recently, though, I’ve had to let some of my routines go because they just don’t make sense anymore. 

My new lifestyle is different from what it once was, and I’ve had to adapt my habits accordingly. Here’s why I decided to say goodbye to my evening writing and reading rituals.

Takeaways
Reevaluating habits can lead to positive change.
Prioritizing personal well-being is essential.
Flexibility in routines can enhance productivity.
Listening to your own needs is a form of self-care.
Adaptation and growth often involve letting go.

It’s Not Easy

I have a lot of responsibilities, things I want to do, and things I need to do. For instance, last night I had an important meeting with a client that ran way later than I expected. 

The next day was filled with non-stop meetings and calls all day long. It was such a busy week that writing time got squeezed out entirely!

Today is my only day off this week (that’s why I’m writing this post at 4 am). But even though it’s the weekend and I should be relaxing…I still haven’t finished my laundry or cleaned up my apartment yet! 

And then all these errands need doing…and articles to write…and bills to pay…and emails that are piling up in my inbox…

But what if tomorrow doesn’t go as planned? What if tomorrow is another full day of work? Maybe next week too? It seems like no matter how hard we try today will always slip away from us faster than we could ever imagine possible so why bother trying at all?

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It Makes My Brain Tired

The brain needs rest. It needs to be able to concentrate, focus on one thing at a time, remember what you read or write and make connections between that information and the rest of what’s in your head. 

The point of the evening reading ritual wasn’t just to consume more books it was meant to give my brain some exercise so I could think more creatively and critically about what I read. 

But when I tried doing both of those things at once (reading for pleasure while also thinking critically), my brain got tired out from trying so hard.

It was like going from being a couch potato who doesn’t exercise much but gets lots of sleep every night…

To suddenly start an intense workout program (even though you don’t know how) while still being expected to perform at work without losing any speed or effectiveness in your daily tasks (which are now way harder than before).

Mornings Are Better For Me

I’m also a morning person.

I’m more awake in the mornings, and I’m ready to get started with my day and tackle whatever tasks come my way. This is why I wrote this article at 6 AM because I couldn’t wait to start!

It’s not just that I’m more energized in the morning (though that’s part of it). It’s also that I’m just plain better at writing when it’s earlier than later and reading too. 

If you look at all of my favorite writers, they tend to be early birds as well (or night owls who manage their time very efficiently).

Writing in the evening can be nice sometimes, but it doesn’t feel as good as writing first thing in the morning does. 

The same goes for reading: while there are some great nighttime reads out there, my favorite books are ones I’ve read during daylight hours because they remind me of all those hours sitting outside while soaking up bright sunshine with a book on my lap or an e-reader held close by my side –

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I Want To Be More Active In The Evenings

To be honest, I’m not sure if the evening writing and reading rituals are the problems. I could probably get more creative with my routines. But my main motivation for canceling these rituals was to put more energy into being active in the evenings.

My current routine is: to arrive home from work at 6 p.m., wash my face, eat dinner (which takes about 30 minutes), spend several hours on writing and reading tasks (taking notes or editing posts), and go to bed at 11 p.m. 

This leaves me with just four hours before bedtime to do something else with my evenings!

I’d like to be able to go out and meet people without feeling stressed about how long it will take or whether I’ll have time tomorrow morning for some quiet time at home before work starts again. So far this week, I’ve been able to do exactly that and it’s been great!

I Spend A Lot Of Time With My Partner At Night, And We Like To Watch Shows

I know I’m not the first person to say this, but it’s important: you can’t get everything done. You just can’t. 

Even if you do things incredibly efficiently, there will still be some tasks that are just not a high priority for you and that’s okay! It’s okay if writing or reading doesn’t take priority over spending time with your partner, family, and friends.

I Want To Go Out And Meet People

You can still meet new friends and make a habit of doing so. Instead of making plans with your existing friends, try making plans with people you don’t know. Do it in person or over chat apps like Discord and Skype.

If all else fails, there’s always the internet. There is a lot to be said for connecting with people online; however, I would caution against using the internet too much as a way to avoid going out into real life!

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I Need To Get More Sleep

You might think that getting more sleep is a given. But do you know why it’s so important?

First of all, sleep helps your body and mind to recover from the day. 

Falling asleep and staying asleep through the night also gives your healing time to happen without being interrupted by light or noise (or roommates who are snoring), or having to get up early. It’s hard to feel good when you’re constantly exhausted.

But there’s another reason sleep is essential: it improves your mood and mental health. Do you ever feel like life is just one long battle against stress and anxiety? The odds are that not getting enough sleep could be part of the problem!

And if you don’t think this applies directly to writers because we’re supposed to be creative geniuses who think outside the box… well then maybe my next point will convince you otherwise!

I Want To Cook More Food At Home

Cooking at home is also one of the most relaxing things you can do. It’s a great way to wind down after work, and it helps you save money. Plus, cooking at home means having healthy meals instead of grabbing something on the go or order in food. 

If you have kids and/or a partner, this is a bonus! Instead of going out for dinner (and paying for two sets of meals), you can cook a delicious meal together when everyone gets home from work.

I think canceling my evening reading ritual was one of my best decisions ever. I feel rested and rejuvenated every morning when I wake up early enough to make coffee before heading to work, which makes me more productive during the day!

I’m excited about this new change it’s helping me get more done during my days off by giving me more time during those evenings to focus on other things that are important to me like spending time with friends and family (and maybe even writing).

I’m Spending Too Much Money On Ubereats Every Weekend

You know what I’m talking about: those nights where you just want to eat a nice, delicious meal and relax with your partner. Or maybe it’s the weekend when you want to spend more time with your family. 

These are all potentially great reasons to cancel your evening writing and reading rituals and instead order an UberEats meal every weekend.

However, while this might seem like a good idea at first, there is one major issue: money! If you’re like me.

Then even ordering one UberEats meal every month can add up quickly especially considering that each meal costs about $10-$20 per person (depending on what kind of food or drink item(s) you order).

So now imagine ordering three or four meals per month for yourself alone! That will quickly add up over time adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars onto your monthly expenses money that could be better spent elsewhere!

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My Lists Are Getting Ridiculous, And It’s Stressing Me

I’ve been doing this for a while now, and I’m starting to feel like the rituals are getting in the way of my actual life. I’m looking forward to more time with friends and family, trying new things (like cooking), and going out more often.

I also want more time for naps, which I’ve heard is good for you.

My Life Is Too Busy

You don’t have time to write, you don’t have time to read, and you don’t have time to do anything. You’re too busy.

You need to get more sleep; you need to get more exercise anything that will take up some of your precious time. I know how it feels: life is so hectic that all our activities seem like chores instead of pleasures. And we worry about how we’re going to fit everything in.

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Conclusion

I hope this has helped clarify why I’ve decided to change my routine. As I said before, it’s not easy for me to make changes like this, but we all must take the time sometimes to examine our routines and see if they make sense in our lives at any particular moment. 

Many of us have grown up with routines inherited from others, or ones we developed when we didn’t know what else to do with ourselves. 

But as life goes on and we learn more about ourselves and other people, those same routines may no longer be appropriate or helpful for what we need now. 

So, if you think your routines might be out of date or causing more problems than they solve, don’t be afraid to experiment with new ways of doing things!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources that delve into the topic of reading rituals and habits:

Academic Study on Reading Rituals: This academic study explores the significance of reading rituals and their impact on cognitive processes.

Nightly Reading Rituals and Productivity: Discover how instituting a nightly reading ritual can enhance productivity and overall well-being in this NBC News article.

Unconventional Reading Rituals: Penguin UK presents a collection of strange and intriguing reading rituals, shedding light on the unique habits of readers.

FAQs

How can reading rituals improve my daily routine?

Reading rituals can provide a sense of structure and relaxation to your day. Engaging in consistent reading habits can help you unwind, expand your knowledge, and promote better focus.

What’s the significance of incorporating a nightly reading ritual?

Incorporating a nightly reading ritual can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and transition into sleep mode. This practice can improve sleep quality and contribute to a more restful night.

Are there benefits to creating personalized reading rituals?

Absolutely. Personalized reading rituals can make reading a more enjoyable and immersive experience. Tailoring your reading environment and routine to your preferences can enhance your engagement with the material.

How can reading rituals impact overall well-being?

Reading rituals offer a moment of escape from daily stressors, promoting mental relaxation and reducing anxiety. Engaging with literature can foster introspection and contribute to emotional well-being.

Do reading rituals need to be rigid, or can they be flexible?

Reading rituals can be tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. They don’t need to be overly rigid; instead, they should adapt to your schedule and needs, ensuring that reading remains a pleasure rather than a chore.