Every. Single. Day.

Wake up that guy sleeping in bed before the sun rises. Check. Wait in the kitchen for that guy to dish out my food. Check. Go back to bed and get in a nap before that girl wakes up to rub my belly as she makes the bed. Check.

My cat, Rusty, loves routine. I must say, he gets pretty grumpy if the timing is off. Sleeping in? Not an option. Small mews soon turn into loud howls until his schedule is back on track.

What comes naturally to him is something we humans need to learn: daily routines are essential for our mental health. Simple daily activities relieve stress and depression, improve our coping skills, give us a sense of security and control, improve relationships, lessen anxiety and promote general happiness.

Children especially thrive with daily routines, reducing behavior disorders, hyperactivity, and rebellion. Consistency lends itself to feelings of security.

And, as Rusty has shown us, pets given daily routines are healthier, happier, and more receptive to training. (I guess until we mess with their routine! 🙀)

Establishing a routine differs from a schedule; it’s about self-care, not a list of to-dos. Thinking of routines in this way gives room for flexibility and takes the pressure off too much rigidity. We are trying to diminish stress, not create it!

Begin by setting morning and bedtime routines.

At breakfast, automate your food choices to limit decisions; this is especially helpful when trying to improve your diet. Pre-plan a few options. You can still feel the freedom of choice, but it will be harder to derail your efforts.

For example, here are my automated breakfast choices: oatmeal with banana, Grapenuts cereal, Greek yogurt with fruit, or avocado toast, along with my must-have cup of coffee.

By automating my choices, I have fewer opportunities to cheat, I know exactly what I need to buy at the grocery store, and I have seen an improvement in my health.

Bedtime routines especially affect our mental health. Take time for meditation, prayer, journaling, and breathing exercises. There are many apps out there that offer body scan sessions that help melt away the day. Set yourself up for a great night of restorative sleep!

Wind down by focusing on gratitude and relaxation. For many years I had the habit of re-playing my day, but often negatively. I would think about all the stupid stuff I said or all the smart things I wish I had said. It took me a long time to learn that It takes intentional action to reprogram and calm my mind. Now I listen to ambient music and focus on praising God, mentally reviewing my blessings. If my mind consistently tries to wander, I recite Psalm 23. I picture hanging out “beside the still waters,” breathing deeply from my belly, and soon, my mind will join the peaceful scene.

I hope you will also love the power of daily routines!

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” Psalms 16:9