Why routines are good for your health

Having a daily routine can be a stress- and sanity-saver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain regular habits—like exercise and flossing—not only support physical health but also help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Every time you have to make a decision, you are adding some stress to your life. Making many decisions can drain your self-control, according to research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. While you can’t eliminate decisions, establishing routines helps simplify your day.

"Carrying out routine activities reduces stress by making the situation appear more controllable and predictable," says Indumathi Bendi, M.D., a primary care physician at Piedmont. "Preparedness is a key way to prevent stress."

Benefits of routines

According to a study by researchers at Tel Aviv University, predictable, repetitive routines are calming and help reduce anxiety. They'll also help you take control of your day and subsequently, your life.

• Start your day off right. Set your alarm with enough time to handle morning tasks before leaving. Rather than jumping from task to task, create a set routine and stick with it. You'll waste less physical energy and brain space.

• Make better big decisions. Save your energy for big decisions, like taking a new job or buying a home.

• Sleep better. A regular bedtime routine is essential to good sleep hygiene. Turn off your electronic devices an hour before bed and avoid stressful conversations in the evenings. Instead, pick up a light read or practice a few minutes of meditation. Brush your teeth and wash your face before bed to sleep well and wake up refreshed.

• Enjoy quality time with loved ones. Even with a busy schedule, a weeknight family dinner helps you make time to connect each day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have more opportunities to enjoy regular meals with those you live with.

• Have more time for activities you love. By creating a routine, you'll have time to enjoy walks, yoga, reading, or tending to your herb garden each day.

How to make routines work for you

• Complete daily tasks at the same time each day. If you have daily tasks, do them at the same time each day to build a consistent routine. You’ll have enough time to get it done without stressing over your to-do list.

• Remove as many variables as possible. Does getting dressed for work leave you anxious? While you may feel like you have nothing to wear, you probably have too many options. Remember, every extra decision can create stress. Set aside a weekend afternoon to declutter your closet and keep versatile basics you can mix and match. Same goes with meals: It's perfectly fine to have four go-to weeknight meals that are easy and quick to prepare. Or make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for next week. Have an overloaded DVR? Delete a few scheduled series and only watch the shows you truly enjoy. Removing excess choices is a good strategy to apply to any area of your life, saving you time and energy.

"When you reduce the number of decisions you have to make each day, you'll have a deeper sense of peace as well as relaxation of the mind and body," Dr. Bendi says. "Then you'll be geared up to face your other tasks."

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