Routines are almost like a powerful life hack to me. They don’t have to be complicated, and they can make such significant improvements in our lives just by sticking to one.
The world we live in is fast-paced, filled with constant distractions and unpredictable events. Establishing a daily routine might seem boring and restrictive.
However, did you know that routines play a crucial role in shaping our lives and can significantly impact our success, productivity, and overall well-being? It’s so true.
For me personally, I crave routine and sadly my precious routine has slipped away from me since my daughters started their summer vacation.
It’s my current goal to get my routine back in place, so let’s explore the importance of routine and how it can be an incredibly powerful tool in achieving both personal and professional growth.
Structure and Stability
At its core, a routine provides structure and stability to our lives. When we follow a consistent schedule, we create a sense of order that helps us manage our time effectively. This structure reduces the chaos and uncertainty that can otherwise overwhelm us. Having a daily routine also helps us develop better time management skills, ensuring that we allocate time for both essential tasks and activities that bring us joy.
Enhanced Productivity
A well-structured routine advances productivity by optimizing our cognitive processes. When we perform certain tasks repeatedly at the same time each day, our brain automates these actions, allowing us to accomplish them more efficiently. This increased efficiency leaves us with more mental energy to tackle complex or creative endeavors, leading to higher productivity levels in the long run.
Forming Positive Habits
Routines are the backbone of habit formation. Whether it’s working out, meditation, reading, or learning a new language, incorporating activities into a routine can make them become second nature. Positive habits contribute to personal growth and development, helping us become the best versions of ourselves. And breaking bad habits becomes so much easier when we replace them with healthier routines.
Stress Reduction
Routine can act as a buffer against stress and anxiety. When we have a predictable schedule, our minds are less likely to dwell on uncertainty, which is a common trigger for stress. Knowing what comes next in our day can provide a sense of comfort and security, helping us to stay calm and focused, even during challenging times.
Improved Sleep Quality
A consistent daily routine promotes better sleep patterns. By going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, our bodies’ internal clock (circadian rhythm) gets regulated, leading to improved sleep quality. Adequate and restful sleep, in turn, has a profound impact on our overall health and cognitive function. After doing a lot of research on sleep, and especially after reading the book Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta, sleep is my #1 priority even before my cherished workouts.
Goal Achievement
Routines and goal setting go hand in hand. When we integrate our aspirations into our daily routine, we create a roadmap for success. Consistent, incremental progress towards our goals becomes more attainable when we dedicate specific time and effort to them each day. The satisfaction of achieving these milestones fuels our motivation to stay on track. One of my daily goals is to do ONE THING that propels me toward my goal, even if it’s just a very small step. Every. Step. Counts.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration
A routine helps train our minds to focus better. When we perform certain tasks on a regular basis, our brain becomes accustomed to the pattern and can concentrate on them with greater ease. This focused attention allows us to complete tasks faster and with fewer errors, ultimately boosting our performance and efficiency.
Angela's Pro-Active Tips!
"I like to prepare ahead"
That means laying out clothes the night before for work and working out. I'll get lunches and smoothies ready the night before. If possible, I'll even prep a few days' worth of our favorite meals and freeze them. That takes a lot of the guesswork and alleviates unnecessary pressure - and a lot of valuable time - out of my days!
How to create your own routine
This is what I personally do when I have a change in my schedule.
As an example, mornings during the school year are quite hectic and I need to plan carefully so I have enough time to get everything done that is important to me. So, I take out a notepad, and I write down a sample of how my morning will look (and this is my personal current morning schedule – when I stick to it).
- 5:50 am: Wake up, floss, brush teeth, weigh myself, get workout clothes on
- 6:05 am: Kiss my husband goodbye when he leaves for work, feed dog & cat on my way to the gym
- 6:10 am: Go to the gym (my gym is in the shop in my yard so there’s no commute, and no excuses)
- 6:45/6:50 am: Shower and get ready for the day
- 7:30 am: Meditate and journal
- 8:00 am: Take at least ONE SMALL STEP (or more) towards my goals, which can vary depending on how many current goals I have
- 8:30 am: I usually start my day
This is what I settled on after trying out a couple of variations beforehand, and it works perfectly.
And a huge help to my morning routine is my evening routine, which involves me getting my lunches and smoothies prepared as much as I can and figuring out what I’m going to wear the night before.
I even go as far as getting all my workout gear stacked neatly in the washroom so I can put it on as soon as I wake up, and having my water bottle filled up and, in the fridge, to grab before heading to the gym.
So, as you can see, a routine is far from being boring or restrictive – it is a powerful tool that can unlock the doors to success, productivity, and overall well-being.
By providing structure and stability, and fostering positive habits, routine paves the way for personal growth and goal achievement. Moreover, routine reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and enhances focus, which are all vital components of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Embracing routine doesn’t mean every day has to be monotonous; it simply means dedicating time to the things that matter most to us.
Creating a well-balanced routine that incorporates both responsibilities and activities we enjoy can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So, let’s harness the power of routine and watch as it transforms our lives for the better.
If you would like help creating an empowering routine that will pack in as much joy as possible, I’d love to work with you!
Click the button below and schedule a call with me and together we’ll figure out a program that is right for you.
To your best health!
