Lifestyle
The power of routines: what you do every day matters
As COVID-19 public health measures begin to relax, reflecting on routines and their value is useful when moving toward a ‘new normal.’
By Megan Edgelow
The word “routine” can bring to mind words like mundane or ordinary. Routines can sometimes be seen as boring and restrictive. However, as an occupational therapist and researcher of the impact of activity and participation on mental health, I know that routines can be powerful tools. They can support cognitive function, boost health and provide meaningful activities and social opportunities.
Routines support cognitive function
First, having a daily routine and regular habits supports cognitive function and may even free people up to be more creative. Research has found that having regular work processes allows workers to spend less cognitive energy on recurring tasks, which can support focus and creativity for more complex tasks.
Think of typical morning routines: helping family members get on their way, taking a usual route to work, grabbing a warm beverage along the way, saying hello to coworkers, flipping on a computer or opening a calendar. Having habits like these can set the stage for a productive work day.
A review of the daily rituals of influential artists found that many artists have well defined work routines which may support their creativity rather than constrain it. Memory research shows that regular routines and habits can support older adults to function better in their home environments.
If taking medications at the same time and putting the keys in their spot is part of a daily routine, less energy will be spent looking for lost objects and worrying about maintaining one’s health, freeing up time for other things people want to do in their day.
Routines promote health
Regular routines can also help people feel like they have control over their daily lives and that they can take positive steps in managing their health. For example, making time for exercise within routines can help meet recommended daily activity levels.
People might consider taking public transport to school and work, enjoying organised fitness activities and the gym and opportunities to include movement throughout the day. Other ways that routines can support health include regular meal preparation and getting enough sleep, activities that seem simple but can pay dividends in healthy ageing over a lifetime.
Routines provide meaning
Regular routines can also go beyond the streamlining of daily tasks and add some spice to life. Evidence indicates that a health-promoting activity like walking can offer chances to enjoy nature, explore new places and socialise.
Research on the concept of flow, a state of full absorption in the present moment, shows that activities like sports, games, fine arts and music can be fulfilling and reinforcing. Regular participation in meaningful and engaging activities can also contribute positively to mental health.
Small steps to build routines
If you think your daily routines could use a tune up, consider some small steps:
- Use a day-timer or smart phone app to organise your activities and put the things you want to do in your schedule.
- Choose a regular time to wake up and to go to bed and try to stick to it most days of the week.
- Make physical activity manageable with neighbourhood walks or bike rides a few times a week.
- Start a new hobby or re-engage in a past one, like playing sports or games, making arts and crafts, playing an instrument or singing.
- Keep an eye out for meaningful activities in your community, like a book club at the library or a social walking group.
Routines have the power to help us manage our health and our work, home and community lives. So consider the meaningful things you need in your daily life to stay productive, happy and healthy.
Megan Edgelow, Assistant Professor in Health Sciences, Queen's University, Ontario. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Feature image: eclipse_images/Getty Images Signature
More ways to stay healthy: