Physical Wellbeing

6 Steps to Get Into a Routine

Let’s be honest, life can be chaotic at times. From adolescence, we are put into a daily routine that gives us structure and maybe even breaks up chaos for us. Whether that routine was school, extracurricular activities (sports, sorority, or academic clubs), or religious activities; we always knew we had somewhere to be and something to look forward to.

During college, that structure starts to slowly dwindle away - leaving us responsible for attending classes, potentially working, and maintaining our extra curricular activities. After finishing college, that structure becomes a lot more up to us but this part of life has so many things coming our way.

Lack of routine can have us feeling a little stressed out or off focused. But who says we can’t still maintain that routine? 

The Challenge

Use the tools below to create a routine for a goal you want to achieve in 2024!

Establishing a routine can be a game-changer in terms of productivity, stress management, and overall well-being. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and demands, having a structured routine can provide a sense of control and order that can help us navigate adult life.

One of the benefits of having a routine is increased productivity. When you have a set schedule for tasks and activities, you are less likely to waste time trying to decide what to do next- helping you stay focused and motivated, allowing you to accomplish more in a shorter period of time. Routines can also help you develop healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep, which can further enhance your productivity and overall health.

Remember stress and anxiety? Having a routine can help reduce that significantly. It can help you know what to expect and when you can better prepare for and manage various situations. This can help alleviate the overwhelm and chaos that often comes with an unstructured lifestyle. Furthermore, routines can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, which can be particularly beneficial during times of transition or uncertainty.

Setting a routine can be easy, with commitment and discipline. Here are 6 ways to start developing a routine:

1. Identify your priorities: Start by reflecting on your values, goals, and responsibilities. What are the most important areas of your life that require attention? This will help you determine what should be included in your routine.

2. Create a schedule: Once you have identified your priorities, create a schedule that allocates time for each activity. Be realistic and account for travel time, breaks, and unexpected events. Start with your non-negotiable tasks, such as work or school, and then fill in the remaining time with other activities.

3. Establish routines for specific tasks: In addition to a general schedule, consider creating specific routines for recurring tasks, such as a morning routine for getting ready for the day or an evening routine for winding down before bed.

4. Start small: Implementing a new routine can be challenging, especially if you're used to a more unstructured lifestyle. Start with small changes and gradually build upon them. This will increase your chances of success and help you avoid burnout.

5. Be flexible: While routines can provide structure, it's important to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Life is unpredictable, and your routine should be able to accommodate unexpected events or changes in priorities.

6. Review and adjust: Regularly review your routine and make adjustments as needed. As your circumstances change, your routine may need to be modified to better suit your current needs and goals.

Establishing a routine can be a game-changer for managing the demands that life throws our way. By prioritizing your time, reducing stress, and developing healthy habits, a routine can help you achieve greater balance, productivity, and overall well-being.