For many people, routine is something to be scared of. Getting into a routine is often seen as getting into a rut, but in truth, adult lives are built around routines and they aren’t all bad. Enjoying two days off at the weekend is a routine, and putting the bins out for collection is another – and while it’s not as fun, it is important for keeping your house a clean and pleasant place to be in! Today, we’re taking a look at ways you can create a routine that sustains you through the stresses and strains of life.

Things to Look Forward To

One of the most important things you can do is schedule regular things to look forward to – especially if you’re able to identify points in a week or month where you feel the strain. If by Wednesday it feels like the last weekend is a long way behind you, and the next weekend is an unimaginable distance ahead, you need to add something to your weekly routine on Wednesday’s to refill your motivation level! Whether that’s seeing friends at a pub quiz or regular movie night, or an evening you keep free to recharge your batteries with a home cooked meal and some private reading time, you know what you need, and making it part of your routine means not missing out. Scheduling treats for yourself is a great way to maintain your motivation and mood during difficult times. Knowing that your monthly art box will be arriving soon is a great way to make it through tough times – whether it’s busy periods at work, or that difficult last week before payday.

Using Your Time Effectively

Creating a routine is also a good way to identify what free time you have and help you to be mindful about using it effectively. This doesn’t mean being active in every spare minute throughout the day – resting, reading and relaxing are effective ways to use your spare time! It does mean spotting when you have free time, and allowing you to make a conscious decision about how you spend it. It’s much easier to keep to an exercise habit, for example, if you schedule it into a regular routine. If you decide that, for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days you go swimming, you have to specifically choose not to go, rather choose when you might go. Consciously building a routine with treats, socialising, exercise and relaxation help you to make sure you get everything you need in your life to feel mentally and physically healthy – no bad thing at all.