Written by Edgar Ulloa
The thought of having a routine normally wouldn’t fill your body with adrenaline or get your heart pumping. Some people might loathe the dull shackles of routine while others might find comfort and warmth in its predictable nature. Every person is unique, and unfortunately there is no “one size fits all” solution. However, it has been proven that establishing a routine that works for you can have a tremendously positive impact on your life. After a while, that routine can even become enjoyable and fulfilling.
Routines are often seen as boring and uneventful, but they don’t necessarily have to be. Not everyone needs to have a fully scheduled day to reap the benefits of having a routine. The key importance of routines is that they help you build good habits. Good habits translate into good health. Having an effective routine can help in reducing stress, which can lead to less anxiety, more time to relax, and can translate into better mental health.
Your physical health can also benefit from having an effective routine. Having a consistent bedtime and waking time can help regulate your sleep schedule, increasing your sharpness, energy, and mood throughout the day. Setting a specific time to exercise regularly can aid in keeping you active, and an exercise schedule or program also helps you budget your time more effectively. Having a routine can even help you eat better. If you take the time to plan trips to the grocery store, then you’ll have the opportunity to choose healthy foods and meals to incorporate into your everyday life, as well as avoid the quick convenience of fast food or sugary snacks.
Personally, a consistent routine has helped me exercise regularly, eat better, lose unwanted weight and body fat, and improve my mood and relationships. Having a set time to accomplish my daily tasks that keep me healthy and productive has given me more time to do the things I’m passionate about and enjoy doing. Instead of wasting time wondering what to do or how to spend my time, a routine keeps me engaged and focused while improving my time management skills.
For example, everything that I need to do during a single day that I feel is essential such as going to the gym, cooking or grocery shopping, completing work tasks, or getting errands like laundry done, I do in the morning. This allows me to have extra free time in the afternoons and evenings to do the other things I enjoy doing. Having a consistent routine doesn’t mean I do these things at the same exact time every day, but it does mean that there is a portion of my day allotted to complete the essential tasks of the day.
Building your own routine that works for you is all about tailoring it to your wants and needs so that you can create good habits. You don’t need to drastically change everything you’re already doing. Instead, try one thing at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A routine shouldn’t be about changing the way you live, but about incorporating healthier habits into what you already do to improve your quality of life. If you realize something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. It can be beneficial to alter your routine periodically to keep things fresh and effective.