Early in the pandemic,
researchers pointed to the value of daily routines to cope with change. As the two-year anniversary of the pandemic coincided with the
relaxation of public health measures across the country, reflecting on routines and their value has been useful when moving toward a «new normal.»
First, having a daily routine and regular habits supports cognitive function and may even free people up to be more creative.
Research has found that having regular work processes allows workers to spend less cognitive energy on recurring tasks, which can support focus and creativity for more complex tasks.
Think of typical morning routines that existed before the pandemic: helping family members get on their way, taking a usual route to work, grabbing a warm beverage along the way, saying hello to coworkers, flipping on a computer or opening a calendar. Having habits such as these can set the stage for a productive workday.
A review of the
daily rituals of influential artists found that many artists have well-defined work routines that may support their creativity rather than constrain it.
Memory research shows that regular routines and habits can support older adults to function better in their home environments.
If taking medications at the same time and putting the keys in their spot is part of a daily routine, less energy will be spent looking for lost objects and worrying about maintaining one’s health, freeing up time for other things people want to do in their day.
Routines promote health
Regular routines can also help people feel like they have control over their daily lives and that they can take positive steps in managing their health. For example, making time for exercise within routines can help meet
recommended daily activity levels. This is especially relevant now since
research shows that people who reduced their activity levels during the pandemic could experience enduring health effects.
As people increase activity outside their homes, they might consider taking transit to school and work, returning to organized fitness activities and the gym and opportunities to include movement throughout the day. Other ways that routines can support health include
regular meal preparation and getting
enough sleep, activities that seem simple but can pay dividends in
healthy aging over a lifetime.
Routines provide meaning
Regular routines can also go beyond the streamlining of daily tasks and add some spice to life. Evidence indicates that a health-promoting activity such as
walking can offer chances to enjoy nature, explore new places and socialize.
Research on the
concept of flow, a state of full absorption in the present moment, shows that activities such as sports, games, fine arts and music can be fulfilling and reinforcing. Regular participation in meaningful and engaging activities can also contribute positively to
mental health.
Small steps to build routines
If you think your daily routines could use a tune-up, consider some small steps:
- Use a smartphone app to organize your activities and put the things you want to do in your schedule.
- Choose a regular time to wake up and go to bed and try to stick to it most days of the week.
- Make physical activity manageable with neighborhood walks or bike rides a few times a week.
- Start a new hobby or re-engage in a past one, such as playing sports or games, making arts and crafts, playing an instrument or singing.
- Keep an eye out for meaningful activities that may be popping back up in your community such as a book club at the library or a social walking group.
Routines have the power to help us manage our health and our work, home and community lives. Two years after the pandemic changed everyone’s lives, people now have an opportunity to consider the routines they want to keep and the meaningful things they need in their daily lives to stay productive, happy and healthy.
