Routine Matters.

Ever felt stuck or wanting to start a routine and just never seems to stick?

1.What are routines, the definition.

Routines are organised ways of carrying out repeated actions in a set order, such as making coffee, brushing teeth, dressing up, making the bed or going to the gym. Routines often consist of lots of habits or steps taken in the direction of a specific goal.

2. Why is it so important?

You've just returned from vacation, sun-kissed and blissed out, but the instant you open your inbox or see the mountain of mail that piled up while you were away, you're overcome with a crushing sensation of anxiety. Sound familiar?

*Implementing a structure to your day can give you a sense of control. It can also improve your focus, organization, and productivity.

*When people don’t have a routine or structure to their day it can cause increased stress and anxiety.

Here’s an interesting fact - Recent studies have discovered that the once-in-the-morning and once-at-night norm has become less effective as many are still working from home due to the pandemic. One poll's research indicates that 22% of respondents skip brushing their teeth for at least three days.

Peoples’ regular routines have been drastically affected as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, making it tougher to manage the stress that people are experiencing. Many people have the option of working from home or facing an uncertain period of unemployment.

"If people don't have structure and are sitting around with less to focus on, they also probably will find themselves thinking about the stressful situation more, which can also lead to additional stress and anxiety," says Rachel Goldman, PhD, a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine.

Maintaining a routine and structure throughout your day is one approach to break the pattern that encourages you to dwell on the cause of your stress.Something as small as brushing your teeth every morning and evening can be a great starting point to achieving healthy habits.

3. How to get started

Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to make sure you follow your structure and routine.

1. Use a subscription. Automating certain aspects of your daily life can be a great one. Like changing your toothbrush regularly. Opting into a toothbrush subscription company like Tooth.Eco, which sends you a replacement toothbrush head every 1, 2 or 3 months can help you keep you a healthy dental hygiene.

2. Make a list. One helpful activity is to make a list of the things that you normally do during the day. Include everything from work to meal preparation to household chores. Once you have an idea of the basic tasks you need to accomplish, you can start creating a general outline for what you might need to accomplish each day to stay on track.

3. Make it simple. You can choose a few simple things to work on every week. You may decide to stop a poor habit, such as spending too much time on social media, or to start a new healthy actions, such as reading a book.

4. Set an achievable and realistic goal. Previously your bed-time routine might be to have a cup of tea, brush your teeth. You can add one small change like read in bed for 10 minutes before turning the lights off in your routine. 

5. Set times for activities. For example, have dinner at 6pm and brush the teeth at 7pm. This helps to keep things moving on time and provides predictability. Have you ever heard of time boxing?

6. Reward yourself. While it’s crucial to get the essentials done, be sure to find things that you can look forward to, whether it’s watching a favourite television show or calling up a friend. Making these little rewards a part of your routine can help you stay upbeat and focused when you are working on a task that you might not enjoy as much.

4. Set yourself up for success.

Some of the most successful people including presidents, business owners, authors, and performers all developed morning routines to assist with their day. Stephen King, a well-known author, has a collection of behaviours that make up his morning writing regimen. He always starts with a glass of water or a cup of tea, then puts on some music, settles into the same chair, and sets the papers on his desk in the same order. The cumulative purpose of these habits creates a routine in which he sets his mind up to write his imaginative stories.