"The dull routine of existence" - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
We're creatures of habit, there's no question about that. But routine doesn't need to be "dull" or be you simply "existing." Doing certain things regularly and at the same time can have a great impact on our health and well-being. Generally, those who have structure and organization in their life will have less overall stress. And who could use a little less stress in their lives?!
As a kid, our entire lives were structured. Our parents woke us up in the mornings for school, we went to classes at the sound of a buzzer, and we went home for lunch at a certain time. Then we finished school at the same time each day, and we all likely had our after-school routines, whether that be sports, music, work, or even gaming.
But as an adult, many of us aren't living under our parents' guidance anymore. Without our parents structure, we're left to tend for ourselves, and this can lead to poor lifestyle habits (ie. no routine anymore).
Those who don't have a routine may suffer from:
Stress
Poor sleep
Poor eating habits
Poor physical condition
Ineffective use of time
Benefits of having a routine:
We are more efficient
Creates structure in life
Saves us time (one of our most valuable resources!)
We learn to prioritize
Reduces procrastination
Reduces stress
Promotes relaxation
Reduces uncertainty
Can help with depression and anxiety
Reduces insomnia
Dr. Orma is a clinical psychologist and specializes in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and stress. He states that the best way to create a routine is by writing down each thing you do in a day for a period of one week. After the one week is up, evaluate the list and see what you can reduce or even cut out. Then try to look at what you're able to set as a normal routine, something you do at the same time each day or week.
The most important thing to remember, though, is that your "routine" has to work with your lifestyle in order to work for you. And also remember that a routine doesn't need to be the same thing forever! Once you have your routine established, change it up a little! Maybe add in a glass of lemon water in the mornings. Tweaking your routine, even minimally, can spice up your day!
September is a great time to establish a routine for yourself. The kids are back in school, extra-curriculars are starting up,, your favourite tv shows are coming back on.. so what better time than now! Setting up a routine this month will help you to feel like things are a little more "normal" despite a global pandemic.
So! I challenge you to keep a log of everything you do for one week. Then, based off of that log, create a routine. Keep that routine going for the rest of 2020, and see how you feel in January! I'm willing to bet you'll feel much better and continue it in the new year :)
Do you already have a set routine? Let me know in the comments what types of things you do during your day!