A zine for routines and habits

I've used the format of zines as tools for daily life for some time. When I didn't have a notebook, I made (bi)weekly agendas using the one-sheet 8-page zine format. I also made a zine as a daily schedule cheatsheet, when I wanted to do many things, felt like I didn't have time and digital tools weren't working for me. And I also made a "low mood kit" zine that I might share in the near future (though I don't love it looks-wise)

Almost two weeks ago, I started playing with the idea of creating a zine for my routines. I have always tried to have a balance of structure and flexibility with my routines. Like many, I don't work well with too much of one or the other.

So often, when left to my own devices, I will simply go straight for what's in my mind, what's most urgent or obvious, and forget about the rest. Too much flexibility.

But if I use a rigid tool like a habit tracker or a schedule, I end up giving up the whole thing because I don't enjoy it anymore, all I feel is pressure and obligation. Too much structure.

So maybe that's why I so often end up creating my own tools, because I can create a flexible structure that works for me, will keep me on track and is focused on the habits themselves, not performance or outcome.

I created this zine with the idea of it being a guide, a cheatsheet, like a gentle nudge and reminder of the things I want to do (or need to do) and that are good for me. Something to have at hand to check when in doubt or when not knowing where to start.

I called it the "Routines and rituals menu". I used the word menu because the intention is for it to give me options, though of course there still are non-negotiables, like eating, sleeping and basic hygiene, but there's still flexibility.

I also used the word rituals though I ended up not really including "rituals" by their definition. But this word invites a sense of calm and mindfulness, things I want the zine to be for me, something to remind me to do things with intention.

I also included "out of routine" options, to take conscious pauses throughout the day, so I included the pages "Mini movement breaks" and "reset breaks" for that reason.

I've been using the zine for about a week now (at first I used a lo-fi prototype before printing the designed version), and together with the old reliable pomodoro timer, it's been working great!