Routines seem boring. When we think of a daily routine, most of us imagine doing the same thing every day, commuting to the same office and seeing the same people day after day – which is not a particularly pleasant time for most people.
However, having a routine doesn’t mean that you have to sit at the same desk from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. A routine can mean doing a different job every day, traveling to a different country, or meeting new people. It’s not about what your routine consists of, but about a sequence of actions that you perform regularly and from which you expect the expected results.
Of course, we’re all different, but many people do well when they have a routine. Research has also shown that routines and schedules can have far-reaching psychological benefits.
Routines can improve our sleep, reduce anxiety, and increase our cognitive function. They can even impact mental health issues like depression and bipolar disorder.
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“Humans are creatures of habit. We find security in routine, and we generally don’t cope well with uncertainty,” says Emily Cooke, business psychologist at Thrive: Mental Wellbeing, an app that helps you prevent and manage stress and anxiety.
“Working hours are important so that we can clearly separate work and private life and switch off. We generally perceive uncertainty as a risk,” she explains.
“That’s why clear schedules can help us plan our time more effectively, anticipate outcomes, and feel in control. It’s worth noting that schedules dictated by others don’t necessarily have the same impact, and again, having some level of control is key.”
For many of us, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a sudden change in the way we work. We have different hours, different jobs, and many of us are working from home for the first time while caring for children and relatives. This means our usual routines have been turned upside down and we’ve had to quickly adapt to new daily routines. For parents in particular, having a routine makes things a little easier.
“There is a large body of research supporting the role of control and resources as protective factors for psychological well-being in the workplace. In other words, if we feel we have control over the work we do – and how we do it – as well as the resources to meet the demands of our jobs, we will be less likely to experience work-related stress,” says Cooke.
“It can also help promote creativity and problem-solving skills, increase productivity, and increase feelings of self-efficacy and self-esteem, all of which have positive effects on mental well-being.”
The benefits of schedules aren’t just limited to the workplace. Routines create structure and make our days and weeks feel more orderly—which is especially useful under current circumstances. That might mean getting up at the same time or having set meal times, but schedules don’t have to be strict.
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“Creating daily schedules can help reduce stress and make you feel more in control, which in turn increases your self-esteem and sense of control,” says Cooke.
“Now, that’s not to say that if you don’t have strict routines, you’ll have a worse quality of life. Some people are naturally more spontaneous and can adapt better to change. So it’s about finding out what works best for you.”
And routines aren’t for everyone, of course. Research into work schedules suggests they can have a negative impact on some people’s mental wellbeing, especially when they go against their body’s natural circadian rhythm.
“Shift and night workers are most affected, in part because their hours are irregular and their bodies are less able to adapt,” says Cooke. “We also know that night workers in particular often feel disconnected from their families and society at large because of the time difference.”
Having a routine doesn’t mean you can’t make changes. In fact, changing it up will help keep your day fresh and invigorating. Feeling stuck in a rut can have a significant negative impact on your wellbeing.
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A 2017 study on boredom in everyday life estimates that 63% of us experience boredom at least once in a 10-day period. When you’re bored, you feel trapped in your old habits – and your satisfaction and joy begin to wane.
It’s important to add variety and incorporate things you enjoy into your day, such as exercise, reading, music or art. After all, the best thing about having a schedule is that you make time for the things you love.
