We all Need a Routine

Even the silly ones...

The day after I officially retired I developed a new routine that I have maintained to this day. Before I get out of bed, I tell myself what day it is. For example, today I said to myself, “today is Friday.”

Sounds Silly

Perhaps this seems silly to you. But I have spoken to a lot of people that had a hard time adjusting to retirement. In fact, I have one friend that kept going back to work…well into his 70s. I on the other hand, never had this desire. Since I was in outside sales many would argue that I had been practicing for retirement for many years¹. But despite years of practice, never going back to work was a new thing. And I quickly learned that unless I reminded myself what day it was it all became just a blur.

Quinta do Vale fourth hole.

Feels Like Home

I recently wrote that VRSA is starting to feel like home. In reflecting on that post², I realized that the routines I have created are a big part of this feeling like home. On Mondays and Fridays, I was playing pickleball. But after several months of that, I realized there was a reason I put down my paddle. My knees just can’t take it. I still attend pickleball on Fridays to provide instruction for new players. I also enjoy the after-pickleball, mid-day beer. A group of 8 or so of us can enjoy adult beverages for under €10…you have got to love this country!

Since giving up Monday pickleball, I have started a women’s 9 & Wine golf group at our club. (Whining is also permitted during the 9 … as is dropping another ball and cursing when that ball also goes in the drink.) There were only 3 of us the first week, but we are now up to 8. Ever hopeful, I’m currently reserving 3 tee times. Like pickleball, you have to build it in hopes that they come. Denise and I also play “social golf” at our club on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Quinta do Vale has become a foundational routine of our life.

Research

I wanted to understand if there were documented benefits of having a routine, so I used my Google machine to do some research. Northwestern Medicine wrote that routines reduce stress, improve sleep and improve overall health. It seemed that during the height of the Covid pandemic writing about the importance of routines spiked. People no longer got up at a certain time, worked outside the home, drove home at a certain time at night, etc. Who knew staying at home could be so stressful?

The key is to create a routine that adds structure and a sense of predictability to your day. Of course, your schedule may change somewhat depending on the day of the week, but sticking to a basic structure for when you will wake, eat, work, do activities, and sleep can help you feel less stressed out and more organized.  —Very Well Mind

I share this with you now because I have met expats that have quickly adjusted to life in Portugal and those who have not. While some struggle trying to recreate the US in Portugal or have no plan from day to day, others embrace this new place and its new routines. Some routines like morning meditation, pickleball, or golf we had in the US. Others like meeting a friend for an afternoon coffee are new to me. Now that the beaches are again open to dogs³, there are the Sunday morning walks on the beach to share a toastie with Denise in Monte Gordo. I hadn't had the opportunity to walk on the beach in years...it is one of my happy places.

So yes, when I wake and remind myself what day it is I am also telling myself what I will do that day. That I have something to do that day. That I have established a routine that brings my new life order and purpose.

• What are your routines?

• If you are planning to immigrate, do you imagine new routines once you have relocated? Are there some you hope to continue in your new home?

• Have you established a new routine since moving across the pond?

Please share your thoughts with our community…

Next Week: changes to Portugal’s Visa programs and the most dangerous feeling…hope.

1. I did work when I had to. There were some weeks I even worked more than 40 hours. But there were also many, many weeks that I worked 5 hours or less.

2. I often re-read posts again and again. There is no doubt that writing a Substack blog has become a form of therapy for me.

3. I don’t know if it is officially the law, but once the kids go back to school no one bothers you in VRSA/Monte Gordo if you take your dog on the beach.