THOUGHTS ON HAVING A ROUTINE

The fall is here and what better time to restart your mindset. It is another opportunity to look at our goals and accomplishments for the year before January. In this vein, we often overlook how satisfying “routines” are. They are also very helpful and an important part of our wellbeing.

Studies have shown that establishing routines is a great way to move more efficiently through your day. Forming routines can also help us

Written by Dr. Cash

maintain physical and emotional health especially during stressful times.

We are all inundated with personal, work and societal challenges. Social media overload is also a major stressor. Humans are creatures of habit. Routines give us an opportunity to improve our daily mindset through structure and organization. People who don’t have any type of routine may deal with:

1. Poor sleep 2. Poor eating habits and physical condition 3. Being ineffective and unproductive at work and home

We have all had those sleepless nights thinking about a “to-do” list that’s unrealistic and long. We have trouble sleeping thinking of all the things we failed to do. When we get up, we are sleep deprived, irritated, depressed. This vicious cycle goes on and on for a lot of people without a routine. The stress and anxiety take up valuable time and energy. Did you know anxiety eats brainpower? Identifying a routine that fits your lifestyle will be beneficial. Some ways a routine can help include: 1. Effective time management; take small steps. Block out time for something fun every other day if possible. It can be as easy as a quick call to a friend who makes you laugh or reading something funny. 2. Better health, eating habits will help with your sleep. You will start feeling refreshed.

Sleep affects your mental sharpness. All of these go hand in hand in our lives.

We are all unique. We do not require the same things. You do not need a fully “scheduled” day of meetings and activities. Have fun with it. Routines do not have to be boring. Make choices that work for your lifestyle.

While thinking about this topic we googled “books on creating routines” and it was an eye-opener what came up. Try it and see for yourself. Give it a shot before the New Year gets here. Who knows what 2023 will bring us. We have all been through so much these past two years.

Let’s give each other a break. Make the choices that work for you. You could be setting an example that will inspire others.