Imagine having to board a plane without knowing the time, it makes you super confused and stressed! Having an order when it comes to doing things makes it easier to accomplish. That is why, we will be talking about routines, they bring an order, which you might not realize how much you need it.

Routines aren’t just for people who want to have their whole life planned out, they’re helpful for everyone, especially to those who don’t know what they want to do. They don’t make you perfect but make you go along with your own rhythm when you feel out of music!

Let’s discuss why you need routines in your life!

Routine Helps in Bringing Stability

Have you had days when you don’t know what to do, you might still have a lot on your plate but don’t know where to start from. Let me tell you about my experience, I went into a two-month hiatus after a rough exam month, and in those two months I didn’t do anything that I would call “productive”. I was fed up of myself at that point and started doing anything to kill the boredom, and right now you might be me too!

You might not realize it, but you are in a routine sync, whether it is brushing your teeth daily, doing skincare, drinking water, making bed, everything that feels like you are managing yourself, is a part of your routine! It creates a sense of having your life together, which we all low-key need!

Routines are steady, and we all get the space to return to. For example, even making your bed, or taking a shower while having a bad heartbreak is you sticking to your pace. These things create a rhythm that keeps you in it.

Why Do You Need a Routine for Mental Well-Being?

Our minds crave having things in order, maybe that’s why the domino effect is quite satisfying to watch! When it comes to life, it is never dominos in a line, but more of a volcano, you just never know when it’s going to explode!

This is where routines come in place, you might not know what the future has for you, but at least you know what you will be doing the next morning. They give you moments to check in with yourself. When you stick to an order, this is what is going to happen.

• You will overthink less, there will be no rash decisions to take.
• You will be able to reduce stress levels, as knowing what is coming next allows you to be mentally prepared for it (Like that maths class after recess).
• You will build a bond with yourself, as repeating smaller actions, like skincare, showering, and journaling creates a space for yourself.
• You will be slowly building your life, James Clear mentions “Small habits, when repeated consistently, lead to remarkable results” in his book Atomic Habits.
• You are in control of your motion, even when things feel messy, your routine gives you the stability to hold on to.

Your mental well-being thrives when it comes to you putting an effort to keep it in peace. Routines help you to do that, even simple things that may feel like an everyday essential are a part of your rhythm. By having a routine, you are doing yourself a favor in the long run!

Routines are Supposed to be Flexible

When we think of following a schedule, we might think of strict long hours we need to abide by. That is now what it is about, your regimen can be soft, flexible, and needs to cater to you. We never know what is going to happen the next day, some days might even be harder to deal with, and some might just pass by like a breeze.

You don’t need to stick to the regimen when you don’t feel like it. Let’s say, life got busier for you and you skipped the gym for 10 days. It is completely fine, you can always return to it. Your regimen is just around the corner, waiting for you to pick up from without judging you. Schedules need to be easy, and flexible for you, you are allowed to take a rest when you need it.

You might like: The Perfect Morning Routine: 5 Science-Based Ways to Setup Your Day for Success

How Should I Create a Routine for Myself?

Your formula for your days needs to cater to you, following the routine of an athlete while you are a banker, doesn’t make sense!

Creating a routine doesn’t have to be completed. You don’t need to force yourself to wake up at 5 AM because some motivator is telling you so. Your schedule needs to feel natural and doable for you.

Here’s how to begin:

Start with a simple doable habit

Pick something simple, it can be anything like making your bed, taking a quick shower, drinking water, or working out. Let a positive and doable thing be your starting line. When you do it every day, it becomes a built-in habit for you.

Pick a Time to Wake Up

Most of us aren’t morning people, but if you are, kudos to you! Having a specific time to get up every morning puts your body into a regimen. Don’t force yourself to wake up at the time you don’t want to. Choose what is best for you. Some people might find 4 AM the best for their suit, and for others, it might be 8 AM.

Be Original with Yourself

Don’t go looking for other people’s routines, you don’t need to compete with others or do the same thing as them to achieve their level of success. Make your schedule according to you.

It’s Okay to Take Breaks

You will miss days, and that is completely fine. A little progress is still progress, don’t guilt yourself into starting over. Your routine is your safe space to return to after a storm in your life.

Conclusion

In the end, your regimen is something that makes you happy, and willing to come back to! A doable routine that caters to who you are is the kind of regimen that lasts.
Just know that it’s okay to take breaks, following your schedule is 2giving yourself self-respect. Let one small habit lead the way, and flow with it!
Show up for yourself, you are enough!