In this episode of Safely Divergent, Kirstie and Eleanor swap their summer detours and crispy-dry skin confessions for a much-needed conversation about routines. If you’ve ever spiraled into “analysis paralysis” over dinner choices, found yourself craving sameness while also rebelling against monotony, or wondered why summer break leaves you both free and fried — this one’s for you.They dig into what routines really are (hint: not rigid schedules or color-coded calendars) and why predictability is a nervous system signal of safety. From decision fatigue to sensory overload, routines act like buffers that conserve energy, reduce overwhelm, and give your brain more space for connection. You’ll hear real-life stories (egg sandwiches, Costco hauls, and Eleanor’s lotion saga) alongside practical insights into how routines support executive functioning, sensory regulation, and energy management.But it’s not all rigidity: Kirstie and Eleanor unpack the pros and cons of unstructured time, novelty, and travel — and why flexible routines are the key to building consistency without getting stuck. Think of it as the “what” and “why” of routines, with part two diving into the “how.”Then, in the Scattered segment, Eleanor takes us on a surprising detour into petrichor (the smell of rain), divisive smells (gasoline lovers unite!), and why your nose might be more sensitive than a shark’s.🕒 Timestamps: 00:19 – Why the podcast took a pause & summer threw off routines 02:00 – What routines really mean (beyond calendars) 02:57 – Routines as nervous system safety signals 03:47 – Executive functioning, decision fatigue & “analysis paralysis” 06:05 – Sensory regulation, energy allotment & lotion confessions 08:43 – The craving for sameness vs. ADHD novelty needs 10:31 – School-year structure & seasonal disruption 12:32 – Vacations, holidays & pros/cons of unstructured time 14:51 – Why flexibility matters more than rigidity 16:09 – Wrapping part one & setting up next week’s “how-to” 16:30 – 🌧️ Scattered: Petrichor, nostalgia, and divisive smellsResources & Mentions:Follow us on Instagram: @safelydivergentRead the blog: safelydivergent.comCover art: Honor HeindelMusic by: Obey Grey

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