The Strawberry and Chocolate Club

When a week off turned into a wake-up call – how I found the power of routine

Last week, something unexpected happened—my company gave me a paid week off. No meetings, no deadlines, no alarms. Just me, a blank calendar, and all the free time I could want.

At first, I was thrilled. A whole week to rest, reset, and maybe even rediscover parts of myself that got buried under the noise of daily hustle. But as the days passed, something strange happened—I began to feel… lost.

Why is having free time sometimes overwhelming?

The excitement wore off quicker than I’d imagined. Without structure, my days blurred together. I stayed in bed longer than usual, doom-scrolled more than I care to admit, and kept wondering, “What should I do next?” That question, which sounded so liberating at first, started to feel like a burden. A weird kind of pressure crept in—the pressure of too many options and no direction.

Why is routine important?

And that’s when it hit me: life isn’t fun without routine.
It’s not the freedom of time that makes life rich—it’s the rhythm.

Routine, I realized, quietly takes away the mental load of constant decision-making. It anchors us. Without it, even the simplest of days can spiral into a fog of indecision and restlessness. I had all this time to recharge, but instead, I felt drained. The mental paralysis of “what now?” kept me in bed, away from everything I hoped to do.

What happens when our routine is only work-based?

As the week came to a close, something inside me shifted. I saw clearly that my entire routine had been tethered to work—meetings, tasks, deadlines. And when work paused, my routine vanished. That felt dangerous. Because work shouldn’t be the only thing that gives structure to my life.

How can we build a more meaningful routine?

So I asked myself: What if my routine was defined by more than just my job? What if it supported the version of me I truly want to grow into?

Here’s what I came up with:

Make space for health goals

Set aside time for movement—whether it’s getting back to yoga, going for a swim, or simply being more mindful about what I eat. Taking care of my body deserves a regular place in my day.

Include family in the rhythm

Help Mom and Dad in the kitchen. Sit down for meals not just to eat, but to connect. Family time isn’t just something nice—it’s something grounding.

Prioritize personal dreams

Learn something new. Build something of my own. Journal with a cup of tea in hand. Even small pockets of time for these personal projects can nurture long-term joy.

By weaving these elements into my routine, I’m not just filling time—I’m building a life that feels more complete, even on the quietest days.

Why we need intention more than freedom

This isn’t just about filling time. It’s about living intentionally.

So now, as I return to work, I do so with a deeper appreciation for the quiet power of routine—not as a trap, but as a guide. One that helps me protect my peace, prioritize what matters, and move through the day with purpose.

Because sometimes, it takes an unexpected break to realize what’s really holding us together.