Routine is important for mental health, here’s why
For those who are still working from home, it may seem easier but it does not mean it’s all pure joy. With home quarantine replacing normal work routines and the daily commute, you can lose track of time.
Humans are creatures of habit. Even though we like moments of spontaneity and surprise, we still feel at ease when we know what to expect. It’s more comfortable for us to follow a plan or schedule.
According to Brad Brenner, Ph.D. from the Therapy Group of NYC, routines are essential at every stage of life—from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. They help us cope with change, create healthy habits, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce stress.
By establishing a daily routine, we can allocate time to take care of tasks and focus on our mental and physical health. Additionally, there are studies showing how daily routines have far-reaching mental health benefits. Did you know that they can reduce bipolar disorder symptoms and prevent substance abuse?
Below are other reasons why one must establish a routine in his/her life:
Routines create structure
Typically when you wake up, your day starts with the alarm clock ringing, and the routines follow from there with showering, brushing your teeth, dressing, and grabbing coffee on the way to the office.
By cutting back on the decisions you have to make early in the day, you can get off to a better start. Make some choices ahead of time by having a routine and a schedule.
Routines give us a sense of accomplishment
When we plan our day based on the people and things we prioritize, the feels truly rewarding. At the end of the day, when we accomplish the most significant tasks for work or personal reasons, we feel that we spent our time wisely.
Routines let us know how we are doing
Maybe you don’t realize it but even small routines like showering, brushing our teeth, and dressing are important parts of your day. Why? Since the pandemic, many of us are working in sweatpants that were once reserved for weekends (You know what I mean!). Despite this tiny bit of change, it can still have a big impact. Subconsciously, wearing them might make you feel sluggish or lazy.
Routines allows people around us know how we are doing
In these difficult times, it’s important to check on people you love and value. Routines are indications to people around us based on how we are doing. Before COVID-19, if you didn’t show up for work, your boss and teammates would worry.
If you didn’t come out of your house for weeks, your friends would look in on you or be concerned about your well-being. With no routine, there are a lot of unknowns that can cause concern or anxiety.
To ramp up your regular routine, you can try adding new activities for your wellness. Great ideas for this are deep breathing exercises, meditation, and long talks with your family and friends, among others. Who knows? These can help you be calmer and happier.
