How Important Are Routines?

Routines are dull and, according to the gurus, seem impossible? The gurus say you must wake up at 4:30 am and jump straight into a 10-mile run. But do we have to in order to be successful, to be happy, to be healthy?

Routines can be about what assists you in optimizing your day, and they can be the moments that spark joy in you and set the mood for the day or end it on a good note. Routines link to habits, and habits link to less energy spent on figuring out what to do next and more on saving it for the things that lie ahead in our day. As James Clear states in the book Atomic Habits, "What we repeatedly do, each and every day, ultimately forms the results we enjoy and the goals we achieve."

As dull as following a routine may seem, it can relieve anxiety by allowing for a form of predictability and letting your brain know there is no need to stress about the unknown in that time frame. (Whitney). Lacking in routine can lead to poor habits such as lack of sleep, stress, poor eating habits, lack of time management, constantly feeling like you are behind, and even lack of physical exercise. (Northwestern).

So how do we form healthy routines that we don't dread or seem complicated? Below are a few ideas to kickstart building your routine:

• Setting a time you can consistently wake up and go to bed at

• Stick to a morning routine

Making your bed

Making your coffee and playing a podcast

Writing your intentions for the day

Read a page or a few of a book you've been putting off

Noting the one thing you need to do today to feel you had a successful day

• Stick to a nighttime routine

Planning the next day (Time block your tasks)

Preparing your clothes & food for tomorrow

"Brain dump" before getting into bed so your mind can truly rest

• Think about your "non-negotiables" that make you feel good when you do them

• Schedule time for socializing, "me time," and even social media

Of course, the list can go on, but these are a few simple tasks that take minutes to do and help you set yourself up for a less anxiety-filled day. These actions can leave you with a sense of accomplishment leading into your day and before you get in bed.

Creating routines & habits for yourself, in turn, not only assist in bringing joy and predictability to your day, but they ripple out to those around you. Your energy affects others; the happier you are, the more that energy will be felt by others around you and strengthen your relationships. The only way you can give is by filling yourself up first. As we have learned over the years, our mental health is perhaps one of the most important things to prioritize within ourselves. It can look different for everyone, but sometimes it can indeed be the little things in life that propel us to a better state over time. Creating habits is one of them. The world has its set of problems, but if we focus on what we CAN control in our lives, such as our habits & routines that fill us with joy, that is something that no one can take away and is good energy that we can share with the world. Society can always use more of it, and it starts with you.

Northwestern Medicine Staff. "Health Benefits of Having a Routine." Northwestern Medicine, 15 Aug. 2016, www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine.

Whitney. "The Benefits of Creating a Daily Routine." Chandler Hall, 16 Jan. 2021, ch.kendal.org/2021/01/16/the-benefits-of-creating-a-daily-routine.