Routines give people comfort and consistency in a chaotic world by serving as anchors of stability. While some routines can be annoying and repetitive, such as making our beds every morning and washing dishes after dinner, they also add a sense of structure to our days.
What are routines?
Routines are sequences of actions that occur regularly, and they are a natural part of life. Even the sun and moon follow routines, with the sun rising in the east each morning and setting in the west come evening.
Routines offer consistency
Routines play important roles in our lives by helping us to be productive. At work, routines help us stay on task to accomplish goals. At home, they benefit us by providing consistency. Routines assist our minds by helping us remember things via repetition.
The routine/sleep connection
Many health experts say that establishing a schedule is essential for wellbeing. Take, for instance, the advantages of getting regular sleep. Per Healthline, “Over time, having a sleep schedule can help you fall asleep and wake up with ease.” People who aren’t on a regular sleep routine may encounter problems. As an example, per Nemours, “Teens who don’t get enough sleep don’t do well in school or sports. They may feel moody or depressed, or have other emotional problems. And teens who drive without enough sleep are more likely to be in car accidents.” Similarly, adults may experience mood swings or be at a higher risk of accidents without solid sleep routines.
Watch the sleep/wake clock
Doctors frequently suggest that patients with sleep trouble choose a set bedtime and wake time and stick to them every day, even on weekends and days off. This practice is promoted to improve the ability to fall asleep and wake naturally, improve overall sleep quality, and to think clearly and function optimally.
More benefits associated with establishing routines:
- It increases productivity. Establishing a regular routine prioritizes what’s important and minimizes distractions. For instance, dedicating specific times to work in the office without outside interruptions can make workers more focused and efficient.
- It promotes a healthy work-life balance. For example, working from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday allows people to dedicate their free time to family, friends, self, and religion and volunteer work.
- It improves overall health actions. Structure in the form of a daily routine can lead to a healthier body and mind. Let’s look at setting a routine for healthy food preparation. Per WebMD, “Meal planning makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet, but that means setting aside time for shopping and meal prep. Similarly, you can use a routine to boost your physical activity or take your medications on time.”
- It cultivates self-discipline. Gray Group International explains, “Self-discipline is the ability to control your emotions, behaviors, and desires in the face of external demands, to stay focused on goals and long-term successes.” They describe it as “…the practice of pushing through discomfort, battling procrastination, and resisting the temptation to give up when the going gets tough.”
- It offers psychological benefits. Having a schedule can break down monumental tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. By planning your day, you take charge of your time and life. Having a sense of control can boost self-esteem and positively affect mood by providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
In short
If you’re normally not a scheduled person, or your schedule is out of whack, take a nod from the sun and the moon – and perhaps even advice from your own doctor – and establish a set routine. Let’s delight in the fact that schedules are easily achievable and beneficial. Daily routines are not just about getting the job done, but they also foster personal growth and improve performance by allowing us to use our energy well and achieve our full potential. Try setting your schedule today!
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as medical advice. Anyone experiencing issues with sleep, mood, focus, or attention should consult a healthcare professional. If you like this article: Check out our others here!