The importance of routine for wellbeing - what makes up a healthy routine
What makes up a healthy routine
I’ve always wanted to have that ‘perfect’ morning routine - before I get to work, before I start my day. I’m not going to sit here, as I write this up in my local autumnal coffee shop and say you can create it overnight - no, because if it was that easy you wouldn’t be reading this very article. Creating the right routine is different for everyone and I'm still exploring mine - it’s a journey. From yoga, to journaling, to listening to music to taking a walk - there is no right or wrong way to set out your day and along the way you might find new things you wish to include, that you would never have considered beforehand. From my experience where i feel i have the right balance (for now), I think the key is this:
Finding what works for you
Each one of us has different things that work for us and it’s about finding that sweet spot. I personally like to go for a walk first thing, ideally in sunlight, get some fresh air in my lungs and just breathe and take in my surroundings. I’ll then come back to the flat, I currently reside in Hove just along from Brighton, where we have the sea one side, and South Downs the other - I count myself very lucky. I’ll get out my yoga mat, usually pop on a youtube video. I'm trying to pick a 20 minute video currently as I feel this is a good amount of time i can both get the workout done and not feel completely overwhelmed that it will take too much time out of my day. I mean it’s crazy that we think even 60 minutes of exercise feels like ‘too much’ time. This way we can reach our goals and not get disheartened and fall off track.
TIP1# Set ACHIEVABLE goals.
Usually at the end of my practice I'll usually set a desired intention for the day - usually 1 or 2 things that I hope to stick to during my day. After that i’ll pack away the mat and make some breakfast which currently comprises of high protein yoghurt, muesli, fruits, seeds or any other toppings i have lying around. I’ll stick on a coffee in my (my partner’s) Italian moka pot and write some morning pages (thank you Julia Cameron) in my journal with anything that comes to mind. I don’t tend to make this too long, just spill out anything that’s on my mind there and then, perhaps what i got up to the previous day or something that’s been bothering me that i want to get off my chest and out into the open.
Once I've written to my heart’s content the coffee is ready to go and i’ll get to work. The order of these things may change from day to day so i like to allow myself the flexibility with it (i enjoy variety and it can stress me out when things have to be ‘fixed’). At some point in the morning I like to take a shower and switch it to cold right at the end - I know, bare with me. The practice of deep breathing under the ice cold for even just a few seconds makes me feel amazing, like I literally have been given a new lease of life - trust me, try it!
TIP2# Start with 1 thing.
I heard on a podcast somewhere that it takes a long time for patterns to be built in our brain and routines to become routines. So allow yourself 2 months of starting with one thing. Just one thing - a walk every morning, a cold shower, 10 minutes on the yoga mat, whatever it is, choose a single thing and stick to it. Then once you feel comfortable with this you can look at implementing other parts - and remember, set realistic goals.
TIP3# Figure out the thing you truly love.
It might be that you try a few different things. Some may work, some may be a complete disaster and that’s ok! Why was it a disaster - maybe you just didn’t really enjoy the activity? Maybe the goal was too high and you got fed up? Or something else? Allow yourself time and permission to explore. If you feel you need permission - take this as permission, get creative and play (thank you Elizabeth Gilbert).
The effect of sound on mental health
Now there wasn’t any mention of music in my routine above, even though I am a musician but I wanted to give it its own space. As I sit with my journal, I do tend to have some ambient music playing in the background, usually with no vocals, something like solfeggio tones (I’ll create a separate article on this because this really is a huge power in itself). I personally find this very relaxing and something familiar to me which instantly calms my nervous system. Listening to this music as part of my routine, becomes a piece of the puzzle. Although I'm not solely just listening to the music and it’s in combination with writing in my journal, this is still a pinnacle part to my morning and take it away, it would feel different.
Why then is routine so good?
Having a routine that’s consistent and one you can carry out every day brings a familiarity. We feel calmer in ourselves, less stressed and therefore in a stronger position to deal with daily stressors we may encounter along the way. I’m no scientist of course, but I have done a lot of research on my own, listening to podcasts, reading books and I do actually have a science degree believe it or not.
I have been working regularly on my own routine for the past 3 or 4 years now and I can tell you, I have found a profound improvement to my health. Physically, as I am more inclined to make healthier choices within my day such as more exercise or getting out of the house more often and mentally because I am dealing with my tasks differently, I don't get as angry as I used to when I am triggered. I guess what I’m trying to say is to not try and be rid of all your inner demons and of course there are other things that can come into play here like therapy amongst other things, but perhaps know that these darker feelings can get a little easier if we change the way we go about our day.
In summary
Routine can be so vital to our overall well being, but finding the right things that work for us are key to consistency and longevity. Trying things, experimenting, as well as giving yourself permission to change direction or give something new a go is all allowed and you might just surprise yourself.