- News
-
by Kim
Routines provide our day with a positive structure and aid in the management of our mental health and well-being. In fact, researchers have discovered routines to have far-reaching psychological advantages, including helping to manage conditions such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, and insomnia. Furthermore, establishing a regular routine has been proven to benefit our relationships, health, productivity, and focus, as well as reduce stress. When life is uncertain, routines can often help us cope with change.
Despite this, many people view routine negatively, as something monotonous, rigid, and boring that we must endure on a daily basis. On the contrary! Designing and adhering to a well-structured daily routine can help you be more productive and accomplished, helping you to feel happier overall.
Here are just a few good reasons why a set routine is beneficial:
1) Helps us be more efficient
When we have a daily routine, it reduces the number of decisions that we have to make each day. We know exactly what tasks need accomplishing without having to think too hard or spend time deciding what to tackle next.
2) Creates structure
A good personal routine brings structure to our lives and provides the framework as to how we conduct ourselves daily, allowing us to experience a flow to our day. While a degree of flexibility is important, structure is essential for creating a sense of balance and stability in our life.
3) Motivates us
Having a routine can help us with the things that we find hard to prioritise, you know, those tasks that we don’t really want to do. Whether it’s healthy eating or exercise, establishing a set day and time and then putting the task into your calendar will mean that you are more likely to follow through. Did you know, activity scheduling is a core skill that our psychologists often use for CBT?
4) Reduces procrastination
Procrastination is an absolute waste of time – but routine helps us to combat it. When we have good habits in place, it reduces the risk that we will procrastinate over completing a certain task or activity. As the routine becomes second nature, we almost do it subconsciously.
5) Lowers stress levels
In life, there are many things that are beyond our control, and we must learn to accept this fact. That said, there is much that we can control, especially through good habits. A well-designed routine reduces stress because we do not have to worry about how and when a certain task will get done. The act of completing a task gives us a sense of control, stops our ‘to-do’ list piling up and helps us to relax.
6) Time saver
In contrast to what some believe, a routine that prioritises repetitive tasks actually affords us more free time in the long run to do as we please. Not every facet of our life needs to be organised and scheduled but adhering to an effective routine allows us to find more time for relaxation, leisure and family time. The more we become efficient at following our routine, the less time we spend on completing tasks and the freer we may find ourselves.
7) Helps us reach our goals
Our aspirations and life goals are rarely achieved in one fell swoop. Most people get to where they want in life by sticking close to habits that help them work towards their end goal. By creating and then sticking to a routine that is in harmony with your goals, you will be on the sure path for success.
Examples of daily routines
Daily routines look different for everyone and can take many different shapes.
Here are some of the most common examples of routines if you’re looking for ideas to implement:
- Getting up at the same time every day and going to bed at a decent hour
- Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up each morning
- Making your bed first thing in the morning
- Planning your work for the day ahead each morning or evening
- Exercising daily
- Ensuring you eat a healthy breakfast to start your day right
- Scheduling regular breaks at work to get up and move around
- Setting strict times to start and finish work each day
- Journaling daily
- Taking time for self-care such as going for a walk or reading a book
The list is endless but as you can see, even the smallest activities count towards making up a healthy routine each day.
Find a routine that’s perfect for you
Remember that you can customise your routine to suit your lifestyle perfectly. For example, you may only want to follow your routine on weekdays, or if you have a different schedule on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, that’s fine too! It’s also perfectly OK to schedule time to do nothing at all.
The whole point is that you’ve given it some thought and are conscious of your choices. Having a routine is nothing more than making a conscious decision to live your life in a balanced way by practising healthy repetition. It is one of the most important factors in achieving success and happiness.
That said, our biggest piece of advice is to not be too hard on yourself if you stray from your routine at times. Remember that things don’t always go to plan! And that is particularly the case in these uncertain times – so give yourself some wiggle room, be flexible and adjust your schedule when needed.
In summary, we are all unique, with different objectives, wants, aspirations, and life goals. It’s a new day and it’s never too late to get started on your own schedule – the benefits to be gained are well worth the effort. If you are struggling to find a healthy balance in your life and would like help to get back to the authentic version of yourself, why not book a session with one of our experienced psychologists?
To learn more, give our reception team a call on 1800 327 477 (AU) or 0800 327 477 (NZ) or click here to book your first appointment today.
