Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of The Conversation, a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation.
The word “routine” can bring to mind words such as mundane or ordinary. During the pandemic’s disruptions to daily life, routines may have felt boring and restrictive. However, as an occupational therapist and researcher of the impact of activity and participation on mental health, I know that routines can be powerful tools. They can support cognitive function, boost health and provide meaningful activities and social opportunities.
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.”
READ MORE: How your eating rhythm can affect your mental health
Routines support cognitive function
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.
READ MORE: What the perfect alarm tone sounds like
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.
READ MORE: What the new science of authenticity says about discovering your true self
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.
READ MORE: The benefits of nostalgia
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.
Megan Edgelow is an assistant professor in health sciences at Queen’s University in Ontario. Edgelow receives funding from the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Queen’s University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation.
Republished under a Creative Commons license from The Conversation.
