Introduction
Routines are a common practice in today’s society. Most people have at least one part of their day scheduled into their daily routine, whether it be getting up at a certain time, going to work, or getting some exercise in. As a college student, I find I struggle to have a consistent everyday routine as each day I have a different class schedule and different activities to participate in. The organized chaos of my life sometimes makes me feel a bit overwhelmed, as I am not always sure of the direction my day will end up going. I always have found my lack of a daily routine somewhat unnerving, but I didn’t realize until recently just how much my life can be affected by my daily actions. Having a daily routine could help me establish health benefits, make time for myself and my loved ones, and help me overall become more productive, and the same goes for you! Transforming your tasks into a routine could give you the tools you need to take your life to the next level. Let’s figure out how we can make this happen!
What is a routine and what are the benefits of having one?
A routine is defined as a habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure. According to career coach Marty Nemko, a routine is, “something you know you can do well…which can be comforting during tough times,” and therefore something that you can rely on.[1] For me, my most habitual performance takes place in the morning. I always get up and immediately make myself breakfast and a cup of coffee before getting dressed and starting my day. Though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once described actions like this as “the dull routine of existence,”[1] establishing routines can lead to a plethora of health and wellness benefits. For example, according to WebMD, your stress levels will fall and your happiness levels will increase with the presence of routine. Having a plan makes a person feel more in control and gives them less to worry about.[2] Not only that but incorporating “thinking time” into a daily routine will give somebody the chance to think through their problems rather than push them aside, which builds stress later on. Happiness will increase as well because fostering a good routine will allow a person to build time into their day for fun. Beyond psychological benefits though, routines can lead to physical benefits such as better sleep and a healthier diet. As Northwestern Medicine explains, “Routines like your sleep schedule and bedtime habits affect your mental sharpness, emotional well-being, and energy. Maintaining consistent times for waking and going to bed can help you get better rest.”[3] Sleep schedules in particular are quite a challenge to maintain, in my opinion. However, there is no denying just how useful it is to try and stick to one as much as possible. In terms of building a healthier diet, by establishing a routine and prioritizing time for going to the grocery store and making meals, it becomes much more possible to eat healthier foods and prepare good, well-rounded meals. Meal planning, meal prep, and trips to the grocery store are three key factors in establishing a healthy eating routine. Other ways to build a healthier lifestyle into your routine can be leaving time for exercise, whether it be going to the gym or just going for a walk outside when the weather is nice. It can be practicing yoga and meditation in the morning, or reading a good book at night before bed. Overall, routines can be, “enjoyable and fulfilling, and their health benefits may make you wonder why you did not start one earlier.”[3]
Routines: Are there drawbacks to having them?
Routines, however, aren’t necessarily for everyone. Some people cannot stand the idea of being trapped, doing the same things over and over. Psychology Today argues that habitual behavior can cut a person off from their feelings, pushing them into autopilot, which may cause someone to lose touch with emotional and sensory experiences.[4] However, sometimes going through a routine is exactly what somebody may need to benefit themselves emotionally or sensorially, as details of their routine may be built in to improve emotional and physical well-being. Another possible drawback of routines that Psychology Today introduces is boredom. Doing the same thing every day can make things boring and take the adventure out of life. However, by simply making adjustments to daily routine from time to time, such as switching out coffee at home for coffee in a cafe, or going on a run vs. going on a walk with a friend, individuals can maintain a sense of spontaneity and excitement into their day, while still incorporating important aspects of their daily routine. It is important to mention also, that it is possible to develop unhealthy routines. An example of an unhealthy routine could be consistently going to bed too late, or spending too much time on social media every day. Art Frenz, P.H.D., also suggests that a negative routine could be “routinely say ‘Yes’ when asked to go the extra mile when it would be healthier to say ‘No,’” and vice versa.[5] Therefore, when establishing parts of your routine, it is important to understand what habits serve you well and know the limits of your capabilities. So, how do you build the ideal routine for you?
How to form a realistic, personal routine
There are a few key ways to build a routine that allows time for productivity, wellness, and fun, without putting too much on your plate. The first way to do this is to start small. Don’t immediately add too many activities to your itinerary, or you risk the idea of burning yourself out and quickly losing motivation, maybe not sticking to any aspects of the routine. Also, if there are certain tasks you do every day, like brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, or taking a shower, try and find a way to do those things at the same time every day. By doing this, “You’ll carve out enough time to finish the task and won’t have to wonder about how to fit it onto your growing to-do list.”[6]. Lastly, don’t convince yourself that to build a healthy routine you have to restructure your entire lifestyle. Instead, look into what you are already doing and find a way to incorporate healthier habits into those choices.[3] Establishing a routine doesn’t need to be overwhelming, it is meant to be restorative and helpful. The key is finding the balance, and taking things one day at a time until you feel satisfied with your daily habits and decisions.
Looking for more motivation or a new way to spice up your routine? There are plenty of social media bloggers and influencers out there to take inspiration from, via YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. However, be wary of copying lifestyle choices that may not be right for you or do not line up with your personal goals and desires.
[1]https://www.headspace.com/articles/the-secret-benefit-of-routines-it-wont-surprise-you
[2] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/psychological-benefits-of-routine
[3]https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine#:~:text=An%20effective%20routine%20can%20help,emotional%20well%2Dbeing%20and%20energy.
[4]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
[5] https://www.artfrenzphd.com/notice-the-present-moment-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
[6] https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-routines-are-good-for-your-health
[7] https://thrivemyway.com/morning-routine-stats/
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