Hearts

I realized this morning that my AV is most silent when I'm doing my morning routine down to the detail. Wake up, turn on coffee, lay in bed with laptop for a bit, have coffee, get dressed, make protein shake, go to the gym. Like, that detailed. Honestly, I copied it from my normal bf and it brings me peace and comfort to know I'm behaving as a normal person does. I know it makes me weird (because I already know I'm weird, lol) but I was wondering if anyone else uses routines as sort of a crutch?

KateL

Yeah a bit. I tend to do the same things in order during the day, well I try Mostly in the morning. Walking dogs, washing dishes, sweeping floor etc xx

least

I've always tended to do the same things the same way every time. Go the same route to a destination. I'm a creature of habit.

Anna

Yes, I am definitely a creature of habit. The downside is that it was very easy to fall into a drink at bedtime routine. The upside though, is great. I find a lot of comfort in simple routine, particularly if I'm feeling down. I grew up in a chaotic and abusive home, and I know that finding peace in routine has helped me deal with those feelings.

And, good for you for following the lead of your 'normal' ex. I have learned similar things from my 'normal' husband.

Bruce292

I use "go to the gym" to keep myself held together.

courage2

Very much so. I think building habits that support sobriety is incredibly important. Like checking in on SR (maybe a class or a gratitude list), meditating, calling another alcoholic, reading something supportive, doing household chores -- sober routines help me fill my day in non-destructive ways and sometimes help to settle my mind.

Marcher13

Hearts I am exactly the same as you in finding comfort in routines although, as Anna pointed out above, this meant I had to change my evening routine and get used to not drinking. Pouring my chinotto before 6pm is a key in my recovery. BTW, routines also make me a lot more productive and I'm a fairly energetic person.

PurpleKnight

Routines keep me somewhat normal throughout the day. My morning routine before work has been the same for years, except now I make a better job of it with no hangover to battle.

My evening routine though needed plenty of work, to move from one facilitating alcohol to a Sober life, but it's still a routine from coming home to bedtime. I now do different things with my time, rather than stopping off at the liquor store and drinking myself to sleep.

I guess routine can be both good and bad, if it's centred around the wrong things!!

LadyBlue0527

You aren't weird at all! I also don't find it to be a crutch, it's doing whatever it is that you need to do to work on sobriety. It's also filling your life with new and healthy things. All positive!

Routine helped me when the AV came calling too. I found if I could have a plan and when I started to feel the urges start working the plan that busying my mind made the craving go away more quickly.

You're doing a good thing!

SeekingGrowth

I'm a creature of routine too. My routines usually make me more productive and involve doing good, positive things for myself, so when I stick with my routines, I usually feel good about myself and am in a good place mentally. When I fall off my routine too much, I often feel like I'm not being productive, like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to do, and that can take me to a very negative place mentally.

Hearts

I DO need to switch up my evening routine! What has anyone done to theirs? I still sit on the couch watching tv and searching the web until I'm tired. It makes the evenings pretty hard. I think I'll try switching to a book or netflix on my laptop in bed maybe. That would probably make a huge difference. Thank you.