Choose Happy: The importance of routine

I’m at my best when I have a routine, and to be honest, it comes naturally to me because of my personality. Still, I recommend establishing a routine to EVERYBODY, regardless of your personality, and this blog post will tell you why … spoiler: there are health benefits, both mentally and physically!

First of all, this post is extremely relevant to the times because of the current pandemic, and I think these are EVEN MORE valid now than ever. However, I believe that the information in this post is useful for everyday life as well.

Mental Benefits

Productivity – Establishing a routine helps you get more things off your to-do list. Having a schedule and to-do list aid in creating your routine, but knowing when to get things done, based on priority, duration, access to resources, etc. can really direct an effective use of time. Taking it one step further and also establishing intentional use of space can help you be more productive; for instance, only doing work at your desk and not on the couch sets your mind up for the task at hand. Having a sense of productivity means you feel more accomplished and confident!

Stress management – Every day we are tasked with decision after decision, and it can be both exhausting and stressful. Eliminating or rearranging some of those decisions with intentionality can alleviate a lot of that stress. This will create a sense of muscle-memory that your body and mind know what comes next in your day, and that makes every part of your day become more manageable.

More playtime – By having your mind and body in a routine, you will end up being more efficient, and you will have more time to relax and have fun! Having a dedicated time for something restful to the mind, whether an hour to yourself in the morning or a weekly game-night with family and friends, becomes part of your routine AND your mind won’t be wandering, thinking about your to-do list, because it’s not the dedicated time for that.

Physical Benefits

Better sleep – Set a bedtime and at a minimum, have a bedtime routine. Actively washing your face, brushing your teeth, setting out a glass of water, maybe reading a chapter in your book… whatever your routine is, having your body go through the motions lets your mind know that you are getting ready to go to sleep. I encourage you to take it one step further and treat your bed as a sleep-sanctuary, one that is only enjoyed during bedtime. Doing all of this means that you will fall asleep quicker because your mind and body will relax more quickly.

Exercise & eating habits – Many people aspire to maintaining healthy exercise and eating habits. The thing is… there is no extreme workout or fad diet that will make that happen. The way to do that is adapting habits that fit your lifestyle. Incorporating realistic habits and goals into your routine is how you create these habits. Starting off with an hour dedicated to fitness means that you can start from a brisk walk to maybe getting a 6+ mile run in. Just setting aside a little time in your routine means that you can accomplish your personal health goals.

A little extra note on the current times: I’m in an incredibly fortunate position during this crisis, and I don’t take it for granted. I’m praying for everyone who is affected, whether by the virus or the state of the economy. My struggles are so much less than that of what others are going through. I hope this little post helps anyone who stumbles across it, regardless of how big or small their headaches in life might seem.

Photo from Unsplash artist My Life Journal