Lately, I have been thinking about the difference between a structured and an unstructured schedule. I think they are both necessary.
During a Monday-through-Friday workweek, it is essential to have a structured schedule. A structured schedule includes your wake-up time, meals, work hours, and more. Having a structured schedule can help reduce feelings of anxiety that may arise if running late to work or not eating or exercising effectively.
In contrast, having an unstructured schedule can be necessary in other instances. For example, when you’re feeling sick or your body needs rest. Sometimes, it is okay (if you can) to sleep in on a weekend and binge-watch movies or a television show. You can also read a book at your own pace. You can also have an unstructured schedule with a checklist to complete all your tasks. Sometimes, having an unstructured schedule to do things at your own pace is all that you need.
There are other instances where both a structured and an unstructured schedule are necessary. There are tasks you must complete in the morning, and there are others you can complete in the afternoon. For example, your job requires you to work on specific days and at specific times; this must be structured. Between your work hours, you can exercise in the morning or late evening; this is unstructured. With a combination of structured and unstructured approaches, you can complete what is necessary.
The reason I am writing about this is that sometimes I feel guilty about wanting to sleep a little longer. I sometimes prefer to run rather than walk (and vice versa) and feel guilty about it. Sometimes my body communicates that it needs to recover from adrenal fatigue, and it needs a slower-paced workout. During these instances, I have adjusted my workout plan.
Sometimes our bodies communicate what they need to us, and listening to them does not mean we are undisciplined; sometimes our bodies need rest.
Have a structure where you must. Give yourself the chance to have an unstructured schedule when you can.
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