The Power of Routines

The word “routine” can bring to mind words such as mundane or ordinary.During the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions to daily life, routines may have felt boring and restrictive. However, as an occupational therapist and researcher of the effect of activity and participation on mental health, I know that routines can be powerful tools. They can support cognitive function, boost health, and provide meaningful activities and social opportunities. Early in the pandemic, researchers pointed to the value of daily routines to cope with change. As the two-year anniversary of the pandemic coincides with the relaxation of public health measures across the country, reflecting on routines and their value is useful when moving toward a “new normal.” Routines Support Cognitive Function First, having a daily routine and regular habits supports cognitive function and may even free people up to be more creative. Research has found that having regular work processes allows workers to spend less cognitive energy on recurring tasks. This can support focus and creativity for more complex tasks. Think of typical morning routines that existed before the pandemic: helping family members get on their way, taking a usual route to work, grabbing a warm beverage along the way, saying hello to coworkers, flipping on a computer, or opening a calendar. Having habits such as these can set the stage for a productive workday. A review of the daily rituals of influential artists found that many artists have well-defined work routines that may support their creativity rather than constrain it. Memory research shows that regular routines and habits can support older adults to function better in their home environments. If taking medications at the same time and putting the keys in their spot is part of a daily routine, less energy will be spent looking for lost objects and worrying about maintaining one’s health, freeing up time for other things that people want to do in their day. Routines Promote Health Regular routines can also help people feel like they have control over their daily lives and that they can take positive steps in managing their health. Making time for exercise within routines can help meet recommended daily activity levels. This is especially relevant now, as research shows that people who reduced their activity levels during the pandemic could experience enduring health effects. As people increase activity outside of their homes, they might consider taking transit to school and work, returning to organized fitness activities and the gym, and finding opportunities to include movement throughout the day. Other ways that routines can support health include regular meal preparation and getting enough sleep, activities that seem simple, but can pay dividends in healthy aging over a lifetime. Routines Provide Meaning Regular routines can also go beyond the streamlining of daily tasks and add some spice to life. Evidence indicates that a health-promoting activity such as walking can offer chances to enjoy nature, explore new places, and socialize. Research on the concept of flow, a state of full absorption in the present moment, shows that activities such as sports, games, fine arts, and music can be fulfilling and reinforcing. Regular participation in meaningful and engaging activities can also contribute positively to mental health. Small Steps to Build Routines If you think your daily routines could use a tune-up, consider some small steps: Use a day-timer or smartphone app to organize your activities and put the things that you want to do in your schedule. Choose a regular time to wake up and to go to bed, and try to stick to it most days of the week. Make physical activity manageable with neighborhood walks or bike rides a few times per week. Start a new hobby or reengage in a past one, such as playing sports or games, making arts and crafts, playing an instrument, or singing. Keep an eye out for meaningful activities that may be popping up in your community, such as a book club at the library or a social walking group. Routines have the power to help us manage our health and our work, home, and community lives. Two years after the pandemic changed everyone’s lives, people now have an opportunity to consider the routines they want to keep and the meaningful things they need in their daily lives to stay productive, happy, and healthy. Megan Edgelow is an assistant professor in health sciences at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. This article was first published on The Conversation.