Some people thrive on organization and order, while others may cringe at the idea of adhering to a set schedule. But no matter where you fall on the spectrum, maintaining some routines in your day can have some serious benefits for your mental and physical health.
In this article, we’re going to break down why having routines is good for your overall well-being and four healthy habits you can start today!
First and foremost, routines are one of the best ways to keep us grounded. In stressful times, routines give us a much-needed sense of control and structure that help keep us anchored. As Rachel Goldman, a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine, elaborates: “If people don't have structure and are sitting around with less to focus on, then they also probably will find themselves thinking about the stressful situation more, which can also lead to additional stress and anxiety."
But no matter what is going on around you, routines are also the catalyst for setting good lifestyle habits. Having routines that nourish our minds and bodies set us up for success for years to come and offer many health benefits, including:
The great thing about routines is that they don’t have to be out of your comfort zone to accomplish. You don’t have to make any major purchases or even leave your house! By folding healthy routines into your day rather than trying something totally new, adopting them as habits becomes much more seamless.
Here are four basic, yet beneficial routines you can try:
This sounds easier said than done, right? The CDC says adults need seven or more hours of sleep every night and yet, the data says it all: one study finds Americans clocking in less than five-and-a-half hours.
While you should speak with your doctor regarding chronic sleep problems, there are some easy adjustments you can make to help promote a better night’s rest at home. These include:
Self-care is more than just an internet buzzword: the act of taking the time to care for your mental and physical well-being has many health benefits. So, why not work a small self-care routine into your day? It can be anything that helps you relax, but the only requirement is that you do a special thing for yourself. Some ideas include:
To be clear, we’re not talking about walking five miles a day, lifting weights like a bodybuilder or dedicating hours a day to working out. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. If you break that down, that’s about 21 minutes of moderate or just under 11 minutes of vigorous activity each day. And in that short amount of time, you can set yourself up for all kinds of health benefits.
What kind of exercise can you do in approximately 11-21 minutes? Quite a lot! Here is just a sampling of ideas:
We have an entire post on folding in exercise into your day, even if it is just for five minutes at a time. Or, if you want to give having a yoga routine a try, check out this article on how to do it safely and effectively!
We’re a dental and wellness blog—you knew this one was coming! But jokes aside, establishing a routine for your oral health care will make these important habits easier to keep.
The bottom line: Folding in healthy routines into our days provides many benefits to our overall well-being. Getting enough sleep is crucial: make sure you are promoting restful shuteye with some easy adjustments. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword: carving out time for yourself is an important piece of our wellness puzzle. You don’t need much exercise to reap healthful benefits: start with a light walk and go from there. Finally, you knew we were going to say it: keep up a healthy oral health routine by brushing and flossing daily.