CHIME
CHIME is another tool to help you decide on a new routine and stick to it. You can find out about CHIME in more detail in our course Recovery, the New Me. Look for this in the courses section of this website.
However, for now it’s enough to say just a little about it. CHIME spells out the first letter of the words
- Connectedness
- Hope
- Identity
- Meaning
- Empowerment
Connectedness
Do you have any connections that could help you decide on a new routine and keep to it? This might be people you know or organisations you use. It could also be places or things that inspire you. A local view you love might get you out of bed to go for a run. Your religion might help give you the strength to stick to your new routine.
Hope
Remember what you want to get out of the change that you’re making. Perhaps even write it down and pin it up so you can see it.
Your hopes for the future might come true very quickly. For example, staying in some nights so you drink less might make you feel better right away. Sticking to your routine might have long term gains too. You might be hoping to be healthier, have better relationships and more money to spend on other things.
Identity
Is how you see yourself tied up with sticking to or changing your routine? For example. do you see yourself as someone who loves food? Are you always cooking for people and trying new restaurants? How will you make sure this doesn’t get in the way of you changing what you eat?
Do you see yourself as a failure? Do you think that you’ll try to change but like you always do, you’ll give up pretty soon? What can you do about this?
Meaning
Why do you want to change? What does it mean to you? Is it all a bit vague and long-term? This is fine. It might also help though to think about what you’ll get out of the change right away. So, for example you might have a new routine where you want to save money. As part of this, you no longer buy food from your favourite sandwich shop at lunchtime. Can you turn this into a positive? What meaning can you find from making your own snack? Can you choose new food that you like? Can you play your favourite song while you’re making it?
Empowerment
You’re changing and creating a new routine to take control of your life. This a very powerful or empowered thing to do. Feel proud of yourself. Not too proud to ask for help though if you need it.
'I often lack motivation to continue my routines, especially when my mood is low. At these times, I find it helpful to remind myself of how beneficial having a routine is and the positive effects that it has on my life. '
Personal experience
Stick with the good
If you want to change your life, that doesn’t mean you have to change everything. What habits and routines do you have already that you want to stick with? What do you get out of them? Can you learn anything from your old routines that can help with any new ones?
Some things to think about
- Was answering the above questions helpful?
- Did you come up with any ideas for changes that you would like to make?