I remember being around the age of nine where I mostly spent my days playing outside and exploring everything around me. It didn’t look like I got much done daily, but I felt like I had all the time in the world, so i didn't think much of it. Day after day of lounging around, playing games and watching Youtube videos eventually led me to the point where my parents demanded I create a schedule for myself. They insisted it include what time I would be waking and sleeping, and what days I would be attending school and completing homework, eating my meals, taking showers, reading, cleaning my room, completing chores, playing etc. After only a couple of days, I would veer off of the routine and go back to carelessly wasting my time. I didn’t think much of it, after all, at that young age I didn't feel I had a need for the strict routine and schedule for myself; I always did my homework and chores, and I was fairly content with the free flowing nature of my days and how I lived; I never knew what to expect and wasn’t looking forward to following a strict written set schedule.
Fast forward to recent years, and I have come to appreciate the consistency daily routines provide for me, and I truly believe that so many others (especially students) can experience numerous benefits from them.
First and foremost, routines ensure that time is saved and scheduled for important tasks that need to be completed and prioritized, allowing ourselves to manage our precious time effectively and efficiently. Students especially may struggle with finding time for all of their many demands from school, sports, clubs, volunteering, chores, etc. When tasks pile on, or we fail to accomplish our goals because of poor time management, we’ll often begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed, causing our mental health to suffer. Setting aside time for ourselves to relax or for daily activities that bring joy into our lives ensure that even as busy human beings, we have something to look forward to daily.
Routine signifies preparation and when we feel prepared and in control of our lives, actively living them rather than experiencing the familiar feeling of all the days feeling the same, we get to experience life to its fullest. When we have control of a portion of our lives, no matter how small it may be, we will likely begin to feel an increased amount of responsibility for our day and it’s outcome. Over time, this will develop an internal locus of control. An internal locus of control has been shown to be effective fighting against high levels of stress and depression, while being associated with high achievement and a hard working nature. Having control of our day can help make certain that our day is both enjoyable and productive; we are able to experience feelings of joy while still getting the necessary tasks done and taking care of ourselves.
When one’s mental health suffers, oftentimes, self care is one of the tasks that become neglected. Some days, it feels impossible for us to brush our teeth, shower, change our clothes, and even get out of bed. However, daily habits and a set routine will help these processes become more automatic and will allow us to appreciate the fact less willpower needs to be exerted on these tasks and may be saved for more difficult, elaborate ones.
Adhering to a set routine also forces one to create helpful skills by strengthening discipline, time management, consistency, etc. All of which are especially helpful whether in school, our jobs, or day to day life.
For instance, routine is commonly used to implement regular exercise and good eating habits, both which are very effective for our physical and mental health. Obviously, we have all heard of the release of endorphins after a workout session, but without a proper diet that supports our brain health, we will be unable to function, as well as experiencing impaired focus and a worsened mood. Predictable eating patterns that healthfully fuel our brains (our brain uses 20%+ of the food we ingest!) is essential to optimal performance and sustained energy that helps leave us feeling fulfilled, mentally and nourished. Sleep is also vital to good mental health. physically. alongside scheduled movement and we can achieve sustained energy and a better mood, both beneficial to mental health. Health.harvard.edu states that “Studies report that REM sleep enhances learning and memory, and contributes to emotional health — in complex ways.
Although scientists are still trying to tease apart all the mechanisms, they've discovered that sleep disruption — which affects levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones, among other things — wreaks havoc in the brain, impairing thinking and emotional regulation. In this way, insomnia may amplify the effects of psychiatric disorders, and vice versa.” Teenage students especially fall victim to poor sleeping habits; sometimes staying up until 2 am or even pulling all nighters. Getting an insufficient amount of sleep is detrimental to our brain function by not allowing it to support good mental health. Luckily, a structured schedule supporting our physical health will also improve our mental.
Furthermore, having structure in our lives allows us to experience more flexibility within other areas when we want to destress or experience enjoyment. Structure ensures that we accomplish certain necessary tasks everyday, and when we have a spare moment, we have the freedom to choose whatever activity we desire, knowing that we have already accomplished important tasks for the day. This will in turn, allow for us to strike a balance between productivity and pleasure, accomplishment and enjoyment.
Though some may wince at the thought of following a strict schedule with less room for flexibility as they feel less in control over their daily activities; it really is the opposite. Having a schedule will allow one to have control over what happens in their life and what direction their life takes, leading one to feel in control, accomplished, and helping them develop an internal locus of control (linked with success).Routines aren’t boring and limiting, they’re the opposite, allowing ourselves time for productivity, enjoyment, and relaxation. As Mike Murdock said, “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.”