Benefits of Routine

“Consistency is key” is a quote that we have all heard many times. Consistency is a factor that positively affects adults as well as children. It keeps people held accountable for their responsibilities and sets them up for success. Being consistent and having a routine, go hand in hand. These two components align with each other and can be implemented in any developmental stage in life. It is never too late to take control of our lives. There’s no better time than a New Year to start a new routine!

Having a routine for yourself as well as your children helps improve mental health, emotional health, and physical health. Creating a routine that works best for you and your family plays a huge role in achieving success and staying in a positive mood. A set routine will help your brain mentally prepare for what’s coming next. For example, if a child knows that they have school from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. every Monday to Friday, then that is a standard and a norm. They are aware that this is now a set expectation. This means they must figure out the right time to go to sleep at night and the right time to wake up in the morning. This helps get rid of any confusion and creates a sense of responsibility at an early developing stage. The habit of consistent routines will continue to be implemented as they get older and will help with transitions, managing stress levels, productivity, and overall good habits.

There are also routines within the classroom that children have to follow. They are aware of which class is at what part of the day for any aged school child. Usually, younger children begin their days with circle time, and older kids with their first class. Having this structure provides a sense of normalcy. Children are able to have realistic expectations due to the pattern of their repeated activities. They are able to expect that their homework must be completed at a certain time before their next class. If a child has an extracurricular activity, they know that designated days/times are allotted for that. This helps them plan their days and work around their schedule if needed.

A person’s overall physical health is deeply impacted by routines. There are multiple ways a routine can be implemented in day-to-day life. These consist of morning routines, nighttime routines, afterschool routines, weekend routines, classroom/work routines, and more. Routines also generate healthier sleep patterns. Staying consistent and sticking to a schedule will create a habit within the body. If you are used to sleeping every night at 10:00 p.m. your body will start to remind you at that time that you are tired, and further create a schedule that will now seem natural. Having a structure will also lower stress levels because it helps keep track of what circumstances might appear. It is important to keep in mind that while we are doing everything we can within our means of what can be controlled, that does not mean that unexpected circumstances might not occur. Although events and situations can change at any time, it is still important to have a general structure to remain organized.

Building overall good habits such as taking vitamins on time and any other needed medications, brushing teeth twice a day, eating proper meals, showering/bathing, exercising, setting time for loved ones, etc. are all positive factors that uplift moods and create healthy lifestyles. While adjusting to a new routine might be difficult at first, remember it takes time, practice, and patience. However, once a routine is set, this will create ease in daily life and functioning. There will also be boosts in attitudes and behaviors that impact yourself as well as the others around you.

 

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