![]() ![]() Better overall healthĭaily routines also measurably improve sleep. He also suggests scheduling time to be alone and keeping a daily gratitude journal. “Journaling at the same time every day can help you start a routine of mental restoration and wellness,” Dr. Brenner recommends starting a daily journaling routine, especially for those who struggle with anxiety. How to use routines to lower your stressĭr. The Northwestern researchers point to the fact that not implementing healthy stress management techniques can put you at greater risk for heart disease and negatively impact your overall health. “Creating predictable scenarios through habits allows your mind to adjust, understand what to expect, and alleviate anxiety over the unknown,” writes Brad Brenner, Ph.D. Researchers at Northwestern find that daily routines decrease stress. Indirectly, you’re modeling behaviors that they can use in their lives to reap the same benefits. Directly, it helps them feel safe and secure. It also benefits your kids, directly and indirectly. How to use routines to benefit your kidsĮstablishing healthy daily routines doesn’t just benefit you in the seven ways outlined in this post. “Researchers say that problem behavior is more common among children who don't have consistent morning routines, mealtimes, bedtime, and homework time,” Dr. He cites one study that links low levels of family routine to oppositional defiant disorder, which manifests in kids who are hostile and resentful. Brennan also points to research showing that kids in families with routines are less likely to exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other behavioral disorders. “Having a family routine can help children feel safe and secure,” writes Dan Brennan, MD.ĭr. ![]() ![]() Kids with a nightly bedtime routine have better family functioning and sleep habits. They also have more resilience in the face of crisis. Researchers at the Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas point to research showing that kids with more family routines develop better social skills and enjoy more academic success. Healthy daily routines benefit kids in multiple, tangible ways. When establishing routines, think about the habits that promote health and those that diminish it. The same study also showed that students who regularly shook hands as a greeting and shared food and/or drinks were more likely to get sick during the study than students who didn’t. How to use routines to get sick less often Other studies have found that family routines are associated with better outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses and their families. Less frequent illnessesĪ small study of college students found that students who engaged in “healthy” daily routines like regular exercise and getting an average of seven hours of sleep per night were less likely to get sick during the study than students who did not. But if you run into constraints, whether they be money, time, or energy, prioritize your primary habits over your secondary ones. Both are important to maintaining a healthy life and positive mental health. Secondary routines are things like hobbies, leisure and social activities, exercising, and work/study. Primary routines are less-negotiable things like eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining personal hygiene. Researchers from the Department of Psychology, Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, the School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel, and the Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK described two types of daily routines: Primary and secondary. How to use routines to improve your mental health Routines have been shown to benefit people in addiction recovery, people with bipolar disorder, and those who struggle with other mental health challenges. The right routines can make you happier and can help decrease or even eliminate the symptoms of several mood disorders.ĭan Brennan, MD cited a study showing that people with dysregulated circadian rhythms were more likely to suffer from depression and mood disorders and were more likely to be lonely and less likely to be happy. Researchers have found that sustainable daily routines can markedly improve your mental health. Researchers in one paper defined a routine as a “repeated behavior involving a momentary time commitment to a task that requires little conscious thought.” This post will walk you through the seven major benefits of establishing and maintaining healthy daily routines and offer tips on how to harness your routines for a better life. Whatever you’re trying to maximize, whether it’s health, productivity, or even meaning, a daily routine can make-or-break your goals. You might associate the word “routine” with boring, rote, and repetitive. ![]()
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