Will A Routine Really Solve All My Problems?

You feel like your life has been a bit chaotic recently. Social plans are ramping up as you enter mid fall, and as the fear of the pandemic begins to die down. Your workload has increased, and you’ve begun to feel like you’re walking a tightrope of balance.

Ok, here’s the thing. Having a life without a routine will likely not kill you, but it is more likely to give you chronic, low level anxiety. 

You’ve probably noticed that when you create a plan and stick to it, you feel a little better. We know what you’re thinking: why is this, and how can I use this to make my life a little easier? Don’t worry! We are here to help. 

Why are routines helpful? 

For better or for worse, humans like control. Unfortunately, the world is not set up in a way where humans can feel in control all of the time, especially during the year that has been 2020. Because the world can feel so out of control sometimes, it can be really hard to parse this out from one’s own life. 

What does this mean? Your brain is on constant high alert for news about a vaccine, global issues, the future of our political system, etc. And yet… your brain was not developed to know what is going on, at all times, with so many people. Because of this, it is really easy to feel like everything is spiraling out of control in your own personal life-- even when it is not happening directly to you.

While this can motivate us to do some good in the world, it can also lead to increasing and unproductive anxiety. 

Sooo… what does this have to do with a routine? 

Great question. Routines help us feel a little more in control of our lives. If you are able to set out a schedule for your upcoming week, and are able to predict which nights you have meetings and which nights you can be home by 6, your brain can be reminded that you actually have more control than you think you do. 

Think of it this way: if your child doesn’t know it is almost bedtime, and you tell them that they have to go to bed immediately, they’re much more likely to throw a temper tantrum than when you give them a 10 minute warning, and a 5 minute warning. 

They don’t actually have more control in this situation. Yet because they are able to predict what is coming next, they can mentally prepare themselves for bedtime and all the fun stuff that comes with it (teeth brushing, book reading, etc). 

Check out the below small tools to find tiny ways to add routine into your life, and to gain some ground in a world that can feel so flimsy. 

Deal with those Sunday Scaries

Sunday scaries are real. They have always existed, but have somehow skyrocketed in the more recent years, and have become all compounding throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

So, instead of marinating in your existential dread, try to take control! Write down a cohesive schedule for your upcoming week so you can decide what is giving you anxiety, and how to tackle it. Our suggestion is to start to do this with both work and home so you can know how to schedule what, and when. 

Dip your toes into becoming “a morning person”

Ok-- don’t skip this one. I know how tough this can be. I don’t mean waking up two hours earlier than normal, going for a job, eating a hearty meal and meditating. Start waaaay smaller. 

Maybe wake up 10 minutes earlier than usual, and pause. Try to not go directly to consuming the news, or checking your email or Instagram. Instead, grab a cup of coffee and put on your favorite music or show. Take a couple of moments to yourself, and make it something to look forward to every morning. 

Find a small ritual

This one is important. We know rituals help relationships through love and connection, but did you know they can also help you as an individual? 

Knowing you can rely on yourself for stability and groundedness, even just for a few minutes at the end of each evening, can be the difference between going to bed with anxiety versus going to bed feeling in control. 

Keep small promises to yourself

While this one is not specifically about a routine, it is about creating that sense of predictability and control that you’re looking for. 

Try not to make commitments that you know you can’t keep. If you commit to brushing your teeth for a full two minutes every evening, do it. If you commit to eating breakfast every morning, do it. After all, if you can’t rely on yourself, how can you rely on anyone else?

All in all…

The answer is probably no, a routine will not solve your problems. BUT it will help you feel more grounded, and will make the process of life a little easier and fulfilling. So why not give it a shot?