Do you know that 92% of highly productive people follow solid daily routines? The impact of creating and sticking to healthy habits and routines is the central topic of numerous books, articles, and podcasts and there’s much evidence that these small behaviors can significantly improve different areas of our lives. Daily routines can not only change how our days unfold but, in the mid and long term, they have the power to transform our lives. The even better news? They work for everyone, regardless of their location, job, income, or lifestyle. And yes, they do wonders if you plan to slow down your life.
Today’s world seems to move at lightning speed. With endless notifications, constant connectivity, a never-ending to-do list, and constant pressure to comply with society’s standards, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed and disconnected from what truly matters. Amidst the chaos of modern life, practicing daily routines may be the key to finding comfort, stability, and joy in our habitual existence. Yes, it’s still a slow-living blog. Bear with me.
Truth is we can’t do it all. The world will look the same tomorrow regardless of how much work or effort you put in every day. The world moves on, regardless of your happiness or unhappiness. Sure, what we do in this life matters (a whole lot!) and we can make an impact. But do we have to sacrifice our happiness and peace of mind in the process? We can’t do it all. And we don’t have to.
Instead, let’s focus on what we can control – our daily actions -, and seek balance in everything. Slowing down is one way to welcome this balance into our lives, and routines are a great tool to do just that.
What Is A Routine?
A routine is defined as `a sequence of actions regularly followed`. Other definitions add further explanation: `the practice of regularly doing things in a fixed order’, or `a usual or fixed way of doing things`. The key term here is `regularly`.
A routine is a set of actions performed with the purpose of achieving a certain goal (e.g.: personal growth, turning to a healthier lifestyle, completing a project in a certain timeframe, etc.), to make daily tasks more efficient, or simply for downtime and introspection. A daily routine is that thing that sets you up for a positive, productive, and successful day. It’s a system that propels you closer to your goal.
By sticking to a daily routine, you make sure you prioritize certain tasks you want to get done and book some non-negotiable ”me time” even on the busiest of days. Your daily routine can look the way you want it to, it can be performed at any moment of the day and it can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The most important things with routines are discipline and consistency. Think about what you want to bring into your life and build your routine around it – be it slow mornings, planning the day ahead, moving your body, reading more, meal-prepping, or learning a new skill, you name it. Routines are something that you can fully control and that depends entirely on you.
As I mentioned earlier, while some routines are goal-oriented (e.g.: wake up, shower, stretch, and write one morning page in your journal for 30 days), others are simply meant to anchor ourselves in the present moment and cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness (e.g.: wake up, eat your breakfast, grab your favorite coffee and take a stroll in the park each weekend morning). Both are perfectly legit.
Let’s dig further into it.
Why Routines Matter
Despite sometimes being overlooked, routines are patterns of behavior that can have a significant contribution in creating a fulfilling life. They can help gain more control over your time, build self-discipline, and boost self-esteem.
Daily routines are a great tool for instilling a sense of order and structure in our everyday existence. Sticking to a daily routine can lower the stress associated with last-minute decision-making and reduce anxiety caused by not knowing how to cram so many activities in such a short time.
Either you run the day, or the day runs you.
Jim Rohn
We can’t control how our entire day unfolds, but by showing consistency with our routines, we can eliminate some of the unknown and some of the unpredictable. You know the saying – “Either you run the day, or the day runs you”. Daily routines create stability and bring all days to a common denominator, which can be soothing on tough days or more difficult periods of our lives.
On top of that, every time you finish your daily routine, you get that great feeling of accomplishment that comes from knowing you’ve brought a `task` to a good end and stuck to the schedule you created back when you were well-rested and in an intentional state. In a way, I believe daily routines are an important part of a slow lifestyle, as they help us make room for what matters to us and create moments of joy scattered throughout each day of our lives.
To better understand how routines work and how they can make a difference, we must first highlight the differences between habits and routines. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle yet important differences between the two.
Routines vs. Habits
Habits are actions that depend on a cue and that we usually do instinctively, because we have done it hundreds or thousands of times in the past – you cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, you put the plate into the sink after you finish eating, you wash your hands after using the toilet, etc. It’s something we do rather unconsciously. On the other hand, routines are intentional activities we plan and learn to do.
Another difference is that habits are individual behaviors, while routines are a series of behaviors performed in a structured manner. While habits can be part of a routine, routines typically encompass a broader range of actions.
Habits are usually instinctive behaviors we were taught to do and that we often do without putting much thought into them, whereas routines are sequences of actions that we establish deliberately and plan beforehand. For this particular reason, they give us predictability and they can help us save the time and energy of making lots of small decisions from the minute we wake up in the morning until we put our heads on the pillow at night.
HABITS
- Habits are automatic behaviors that are performed with little or no conscious thought.
- They are often deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that are repeated regularly.
- Habits can be both positive (such as exercising regularly) and negative (such as biting your nails).
ROUTINES
- Routines are a set of actions or behaviors that are performed in a particular order or sequence.
- Unlike habits, routines are more intentional and consciously planned.
- Routines often involve multiple behaviors grouped together to accomplish a specific goal or outcome.
Now that we’ve drawn a line between the two, let’s get to the really good stuff: the benefits of practicing daily routines.
Lower Stress and Anxiety Levels
Having the same morning or bedtime routine can result in less hectic starts and ends of the day, but it can also lead to a healthier lifestyle in the long term. When there are so many things we need to do in a day, both on a personal and professional level, it brings us comfort to know that they are organized in a pre-established order, so we don’t have to put much thought into getting them done.
At work, for example, batching meetings and checking emails (while turning off notifications the rest of the time), starting the day with the most difficult task on your to-do list, and using different time management techniques can help with a more structured workflow, as well as a more productive and less stressful day. You can check out the 90/90/1 rule, the 52/17 rule, and the Pomodoro Technique – three of my favorites, but there are many more. Try them to see what suits you best and can be fitted into your work routine.
The Power of Consistency
Consistency breeds success, and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of daily routines.
By establishing regular habits and rituals, we create a sense of stability and control in our lives. Whether it’s waking up at the same time each day, exercising regularly, or practicing mindfulness, these small yet meaningful actions lay the foundation for a fulfilling existence.
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.
John Maxwell
Building Momentum Towards Happiness
Daily routines provide a sense of momentum, propelling us forward on our journey towards happiness. Following a pre-established routine not only fights procrastination and forgetfulness but can also add more meaning to one’s life.
Rather than drifting aimlessly through life, those with well-defined routines have a clear path to stick to. Each day becomes an opportunity to make progress toward your goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Whatever your personal or professional goal is, daily routines can help you get there.
Finding Balance Amidst Chaos
Nowadays, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by the constant demands and distractions vying for our attention. Daily routines offer a reprieve from this chaos, providing a sense of order and structure amidst the madness. By establishing boundaries and prioritizing activities that align with our values, we can create a sense of balance that promotes overall well-being.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence
One of the greatest gifts of routines is the opportunity to be fully present in the moment. Whether it’s savoring a morning cup of coffee or taking a leisurely hike in nature, routines encourage mindfulness and awareness of the world around us. By slowing down and savoring life’s simple pleasures, we cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and contentment.
Overcoming Obstacles Through Consistency
Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but routines provide a framework for resilience and perseverance. By committing to consistent action, we can overcome obstacles with greater ease. Whether it’s navigating a difficult work project or coping with personal adversity, the discipline instilled by daily routines equips us with the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.
Embracing Change Through Adaptive Daily Routines
While daily routines provide a sense of stability, they are by no means rigid or inflexible. The most effective routines are those that are adaptive and responsive to change. As we grow and evolve, so too should our routines, reflecting our shifting priorities and aspirations. By embracing change with open arms, we ensure that our routines continue to support our journey toward happiness and fulfillment.
Finding Joy in the Ordinary
Let’s be honest – with all the distractions fighting for our attention, it’s easy to overlook the beauty and magic of everyday life. An energizing walk or run in the crisp morning air, a stroll along blooming trees, sipping a freshly brewed coffee while reading a few pages, buying flowers for no reason, laughing until your cheeks hurt, watching the shades of red and orange of the sky at dusk, and so on. Too poetic? Perhaps. But routines do encourage us to slow down, spend quality time, and appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us.
Daily Routines Within a Slow Lifestyle
At first glance, daily routines may seem antithetical to the principles of slow living. After all, doesn’t following a set schedule constrain our freedom and spontaneity? Not really, especially since you are the author of that routine. You decide how to do them and when to integrate them into your lifestyle.
In addition, when approached mindfully, routines can be a powerful tool for prioritizing what matters to us and embracing slowness in our daily lives. Daily routines may be the perfect excuse to slow down and carve moments of pause in our hectic days, to reconnect with ourselves.
Conclusion
To wrap up, I think we should all welcome daily routines into our lives, both at work and at home.
Whether they are meant to carve moments of pause in your daily schedule or boost your effectiveness, routines can instill discipline, structure, and stability into our current lifestyle, triggering growth and overall well-being. Not to mention the added benefits of giving us a sense of purpose and making our life journey more meaningful. With everything on our plates in these crazy times, daily routines come with a healthy dose of predictability, as an antidote for anxiety and procrastination.
By embracing daily routines as a means of cultivating presence, finding joy in the ordinary, and prioritizing self-care, the road to a more fulfilled existence becomes a lot smoother. Build your routines, and stick to them daily and the road itself might turn into the reason to keep going, as you reap the benefits of growth, improved mood, and productivity along the way. After all, roads were made for journeys, not destinations.
