Why it's good to be a sucker for routine

I love a routine. Whether it's the early morning walk with the dog, or sitting down and writing exquisite prose for you lot. Having a to-do list that I repeat frequently and often is what has kept me sane during lockdown. But, it turns out, a routine can do so much more than that.

Routines have the power to improve our sleep, reduce anxiety and boost our cognitive function, and can even have an impact on mental health problems such as depression and bipolar disorder. But why?

According to researchers at Piedmont, decisions are a source of stress. Be they simple things like "shall I put clothes on today?" or "should I go to the shops now or later?" they all add a level of complexity which can increase our stress levels.

Proper planning 📅

While you can't do away with decision-making completely, creating regular rhythms can take much of the guesswork out of your day.

"Carrying out routine activities reduces stress by making the situation appear more controllable and predictable," says Indumathi Bendi, M.D., a primary care physician at Piedmont. "Preparedness is a key way to prevent stress."

It can be employed in a number of different ways, but a team at Tel Aviv University found routines around when to go to bed, ensuring you spend time with loved ones, and what you do before you start work were all effective in helping us feel less stressed.  

Essentially, what all these clever people are really reaching for is the old adage: Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

You're welcome, science.