Beneficial, Not Boring: Why Routines Can Boost Our Mental Health and How to Create Ones That Stick
The article explores the profound impact routines can have on mental health, suggesting that consistent daily structures not only reduce stress but also improve sleep and cognitive function. Stephanie Baxter highlights insights from Megan Edgelow, an associate professor at Queen’s University, who emphasizes that routines can make daily tasks habitual, thus reducing the cognitive load and anxiety associated with them. The piece also underscores that routines are not monolithic; they can be flexible and tailored to individual preferences, allowing for creativity and spontaneity while maintaining the psychological benefits of consistency.
Research cited in the article reveals that routines can lead to higher emotional well-being and lower anxiety, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, structured daily activities are linked to improved sleep quality and cognitive resilience. The article offers practical advice for creating effective routines, such as starting with small, achievable steps and customizing routines to fit personal goals and lifestyle, thereby enhancing the likelihood of long-term adherence and mental health benefits.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of maintaining mental health amidst daily stressors and unpredictable life events.
- The actions
- Experts like Megan Edgelow suggest creating personalized routines that incorporate important and enjoyable activities.
- Evidence of progress
- Studies show that routines improve emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function, particularly during stressful periods like the pandemic.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn to customize routines to fit their unique needs and lifestyle, starting small and building up gradually to achieve mental health benefits.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 7
- Relationships
- 6
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 9
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Curiosity
Megan Edgelow’s examination of diverse studies shows a deep curiosity about how routines impact various aspects of mental health.
Perseverance
The article encourages starting with small steps and gradually building routines, demonstrating perseverance in habit formation.
Hope
The piece instills hope by showing that routines can be adjusted and personalized, ensuring they remain beneficial despite life’s unpredictabilities.
Try this today
Take a moment to reflect on your current daily habits. Identify one small change you can make to your morning or evening routine that could enhance your well-being, such as a brief walk or a quiet moment of reflection. Implement this change consistently over the next week and observe any shifts in your mood or stress levels.