Don’t you just love routine?

So the autumn chill has kicked in, the kids are back to school or college, the nights are getting darker and yet there’s something very comforting about getting back to our routine.  Why?  Well here are my top 5 health benefits of having a routine to help motivate back to normality this autumn.

1. Helps Reduce Stress and Facilitate Relaxation
There will always be something in our lives that is beyond our control, and we need to accept that. However, there is so much that we can control, especially if we follow a routine. When we have and stick to a routine, it eliminates a lot of stress because we do not have to think and worry about what needs to get done. The act of ‘doing’ gives us a sense of control and helps us relax instead of fretting about the tasks at hand.
2. Frees Up Our Time
Contrary to what some people believe, following a routine of repetitive tasks actually provides us with more free time to do as we please. Not every aspect of our lives needs to be scheduled or incorporated into a daily routine. There is a time and place for leisure, relaxation, and ‘not-doing’, and a routine frees up the time for it. In fact, our routine makes us become better and more efficient at performing certain tasks. This means that we often spend less time completing the tasks listed in our routine via repetition.
3. Helps Us Achieve Our Goals
Our goals and aspirations are rarely, if ever, achieved all at once. Successful people accomplish their goals by doing the same things over and over again. An athlete gets good at his sport because he practices daily. An artist hones his craft through repetition. Developing and sticking to a routine that is in line with your goals is one of the surest ways to feel success.
4. Builds Self Confidence
When we follow a routine and stick with it, it helps build self confidence and gives us a sense of tremendous satisfaction and purpose. That provides us with the ‘fuel’ to continue our routine and reap the benefits associated with it. And a lack of self confidence is one of the main reasons people find it difficult to change their lives for the better.
5. Creates Structure in Our Lives
A daily routine provides structure and a logical sequence in our lives. It provides the framework within which we live our lives and conduct our daily activities. Soon we become familiar and comfortable with what we have to do each day. It allows us to experience a flow to our day.

There are many more benefits to having a routine but they all benefit our health and wellness.  So be proud of your routine and enjoy the many benefits if provides.