People are creatures of habit; we function better if we are organized and have a daily structure. Implementing a daily routine can be a habit that promotes health and well-being. While not following a daily routine can lead to increased stress, poor physical condition, choosing unhealthier foods, and poor sleeping habits.
Routines do not have to be boring; there are many ways you can create a fun daily routine. A routine can become more fun if you are making time to do something you enjoy like trying new foods, spending time outdoors, or incorporating a skincare routine. Having a daily routine does not mean you need to do the exact same things every day, just that you are making the time to get everything you need to get done for the day. Once you start following a routine, you will begin to notice the health benefits shortly after.
What are the benefits of following a daily routine?
It will reduce your stress level. We can often feel overwhelmed by daily tasks when we do not have a plan and timeline for accomplishing them. A daily routine allows us to plan in advance for completing our to-do list, which can help reduce the stress and worries that are associated with it. Having a plan for the day will help you feel more in control; a routine helps take the guesswork and uncertainty out of your day. Reducing stress can be particularly important because high stress levels can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Click here to read more about ways to reduce your stress.
It will improve your sleep. Sleep is essential for our mental health. Making sure you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day allows the body to adapt to a sleep-wake cycle. Having a regular sleep schedule allows you to fall asleep faster and rest more efficiently. A daily sleeping schedule has been said to improve productivity, mental sharpness, emotional well-being, as well as increase your energy levels.
It will improve your diet. When we are running short on time, it can become difficult to eat healthy meals at appropriate times. The foods you consume can also affect your mood, so it is important to create a plan for cooking and preparing meals ahead of time. This encourages us to adhere to a balanced diet, instead of choosing convenient processed foods. Having a routine will make it easier to set times for grocery shopping, cooking, eating, and cleaning up afterwards.
It will help you create healthy daily habits. Allowing ourselves time for self-care can provide relaxation and stress relief. With a routine, you can structure in time for self-care, which can include exercising, meditating, journaling, and playtime. Another important part of self-care is setting aside time to spend with family and friends, as downtime is also be beneficial for your mental health. You don’t need to exercise every day, but if you can fit some physical activity into your routine – ideally 3-4 days a week should be more than enough. Exercising has many health benefits; among these are improved cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of certain diseases. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate exercise into your routine.
Tips on how to start following a daily routine:
Set a regular time to wake up every day (fight the urge to hit the snooze button) and make your bed!
Motivate yourself to start your day by brushing your teeth and taking a shower.
Eat some breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - it provides the much-needed energy to get your day started.
Consider implementing an exercise routine in the morning; it will get your blood flowing and energize you.
Set aside time for self-care. Meditation, yoga, and journaling have been found to provide mental health benefits as well.
Get into the habit of having a daily routine
Implementing a daily routine can positively affect both your mental and physical health. As mentioned previously, a routine will reduce your stress levels, help you create healthy daily habits, and improve eating and sleeping habits. Having a daily routine does not have to be complicated; it can be fun and provide you with motivation and energy to start your day. As long as we are finding our routines helpful and not harmful, and know that our routine doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can allow yourself the flexibility to change your routines as your life changes, but they are definitely a great thing to build on and develop over time.
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Written by Andrea Melgarejo, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Sources:
3. WebMD
4. MedlinePlus