Art: Charles M. Schulz.
Like many of us, Snoopy does not look kindly on changes in his routine.
I take comfort in routine, a stable place from which to investigate things that are not routine. I don’t like being away from that stable place very long. Whether that’s all about Covid anxiety or just getting older, I don’t know, but I was glad to read in RealSimple that the wish to get my ducks in a row is not unusual. (Lately, I’d settle for getting one duck in a row.)
Lindsay Tigar writes that mundane routines are actually what’s keeping us sane and healthy.
“Ask any doctor, therapist, or wildly successful entrepreneur, and they’ll swear by the myriad benefits of setting and sticking to a routine. Even if you’re a little more spontaneous, you’ve likely experienced the desire to have a set schedule. Say, after a chaotic holiday season, following a gluttonous vacation, or another stressful period in your life. …
“As humans, our bodies — and more to the point, our minds — crave the comfort and mindlessness that routine offers. How so? Routine requires very little conscious thought, freeing our brain to focus on more complex tasks, according to Samantha Dutton, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and associate dean and social work program director at the University of Phoenix.
“This makes everyday tasks, like commuting to work, brushing our teeth, taking a shower, and so on, second nature. When we aren’t thinking about those necessities, we can pay more attention to other parts of our lives. ‘If we’ve learned anything from the previous year, the unexpected can happen, and it can cause anxiety,’ Dutton says. ‘Having a routine will lower your anxiety because there’s no conscious thought in the everyday details of life.
When you’re not worried about the daily grind, it can help you have more energy and be adaptable to the unexpected.’ …
“We spoke with experts to identify why we should invest in a routine this year.
“Healthy Habits. If you’ve set resolutions for yourself that involve better wellness habits, a routine may be the trick to making them happen. As one academic article published in 2019 found, those in good health tend to engage in highly routine health behaviors. In other words: people who drink enough water, exercise regularly, choose balanced meals, and meditate, do so on a schedule.
” ‘Since humans typically choose options that are easier than others, and since routines become automatic and require little decision-making, this study concluded that developing routines within individuals’ current lifestyles will help increase adherence to health care recommendations,’ explains Joan Davidson, a licensed psychologist, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, and assistant professor in the Clinical Science Program at the University of California, Berkeley.
“Use of Time. Dutton says while many of us believe we’re great at multitasking, chances are we’re not actually maximizing our time. If you were to track your daily actions, you’d likely find that responding to text messages adds an additional half-hour to one work assignment. Or having dozens of tabs open on your computer is more distracting than beneficial. However, when we create routines and time blocks, we can check off every deliverable because we have reserved our time and mental power. … She says, ‘Remember, we all just get 24 hours in the day. Routines will help you maximize your time and lead to an understanding of how you want to spend your time.’
“Goals. There’s a reason why entrepreneurs take the guesswork out of their days: They need their genius going directly toward their business and solving problems. … When we create routines, we break down those goals and aspirations into daily stepping stones, which eventually lead to success. ‘Whatever the goal, developing routines paves the way toward achieving them,’ Davidson says.
“Depression. If you’ve ever experienced a bout of depression, or you know someone who has, you likely experienced the withdrawal tendency. As Davidson explains, when we are feeling blue, we tend to pull back from activities and people who bring us joy, which can leave us feeling deprived and sadder. [Planning] ‘consistent, concrete and specific practices, often at designated times and places [builds] structure and routines for developing and practicing new behaviors.’ …
“Calming. Dutton says familiarity is comforting. ‘Having a routine can have a calming effect and can set the stage for the day,’ she says. Even when the world is unpredictable with the pandemic hanging over everything, having a set morning routine, for example, will keep you feeling more relaxed and ready for whatever the day throws your way.
“So. It’s human nature to enjoy some tasks and to loathe others. Sadly some of the must-dos you dislike, like folding laundry or filing taxes, have to be completed. But if you can create a routine that also includes activities that make you happy — like yoga, reading, or taking a hot bath — you’ll boost your energy instead of draining it.” More at RealSimple, here.
Sometimes I identify with the Dormouse in “The Dormouse and the Doctor,” by A.A. Milne. To preserve his familiar and comforting routine, the Dormouse just curled up in a ball and closed his eyes.
“The Dormouse turned over to shut out the sight
“Of the endless chrysanthemums (yellow and white).
” ‘How lovely,’ he thought, ‘to be back in a bed
” ‘Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red.)’ “
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
I could improve my daily routines… especially when I go to bed at the end of each day! Thanks for this blog post.
I was glad to learn other people feel the same.
That is one of my favorite poems! I always hear my mother’s voice when I read it. She often read Milne’s poems to me when I was young and the message I took from the dormouse and the doctor was that it was indeed ok to be lazy and control freaks were out of line.
I’m forever trying to set a routine for myself and failing. Yet, overall I feel like I accomplish a fair amount.
When my twin girls were born, my son was two. Life was unbelievably stressful. For the next 15 months I think I had a total of 8 nights where I got 6 consecutive hours of sleep. Usually, I only had 3 or 4. During that period, I clung to a schedule like my life depended on it. It was the only thing over which I felt I had some control. I’d never been that disciplined before and haven’t been since. But that schedule somehow helped me get through a very stressful time.
Your experience is instructive, and I think many people would relate to the value of routine in times of acute stress. … I also grew up with AA Milne poems. Sometimes I regret that i didn’t give my kids more of them. My grandchildren have none. PS The movie about Christopher Robin’s real life: So sad.
I read some of those poems to my kids but wish I’d read more. I think I’ve seen the Christopher Robin film but I don’t recall it well. Seems like it’s time for a rewatch. Thanks for mentioning it.
I am with you all the way about routines. They ground me and allow my mind to roam free. Sweet little description of the Dormouse.
And as I age, it helps to know what I’m supposed to do next!
The Super Nanny immediately comes to mind. Her main job was to help young parents establish routines for their children, particularly around dinner and bed time. I developed new routines in the pandemic, when I had time to read most of (several) papers and play solitaire, I now have to reduce both the amount I read. Trying to break the solitaire addiction. New routines are still in flux, but it feels great to be busy!
Routines definitely helped in the pandemic. Routines shouldn’t become a trap, though.
I like routine, some change every now and then is fun but I’m always glad to get back to the Routine. Routine is very important to Leona, she gets stressed out if it’s too disrupted.
Same for me.