Routines, schedules, and habits go a long way toward creating happiness. Most people enjoy having a plan and knowing how the day will unfold. While surprise adds spice to life, predictability grounds us and provides a feeling of security. Regardless of who you are or what you do, it’s likely that feeling safe and secure is essential to your mental and physical well-being. But what happens when your life gets out of control? What can you do to regain composure in a chaotic world?
Creating routines is one of the easiest ways to manage a disorderly life. A consistent beginning and ending to your day can make a huge difference in how you feel. Your schedule might be different than that of your friends or family members, but creating activities that create order can eliminate stress and create peace of mind.
Create a Morning Routine
Creating a morning routine is a great place to start. Typical morning routines could include getting up at the same time every morning, making your bed, having a cup of coffee and some breakfast, time spent in the bathroom, getting dressed, packing your lunch or lunches for kids, making a to-do list for the day, checking and responding to emails, meditating, and journaling.
Generating a list of morning activities is the first step. The next step is putting them in order. What you can accomplish during your morning routine will depend on when you get up and how much time you have before you start work or take your kids to school. Of course, if you work from home or are retired, you’ll have more flexibility than if you adhere to a schedule. To ensure your routine is sustainable, try it out for a few days and see how you feel. Knowing how your morning will unfold usually results in a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone in the household.
Once you establish a flow that works, you might want to add start times. If you do this, to avoid adding stress to your schedule, be sure to add some wiggle room. For example, if your kids need to be at school by 8:00 AM, you might need to get up by 6:00 to avoid unnecessary rushing around. A little trial and error might be required before you land on the ideal morning ritual.
Create an Evening Routine
An evening routine can also help you relax after a busy day and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Elements of an evening ritual include a regular bedtime, a warm bath, listening to music or reading a book, and deep breathing or meditation. Turning off electronics is also recommended. According to healthhub.hif.com, many people benefit from following The 10-3-2-1-0 Sleep Rule:
- 0 hours before bed: No more caffeine.
- 3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol.
- 2 hours before bed: No more work.
- 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs and computers).
- 0: The number of times you hit snooze in the morning.
Doing the same thing every night before bed lets your brain know you’re ready for a good night’s sleep. According to the American Psychological Association, eight or more hours of sleep each night sleep is the main ingredient for feeling happier, healthier, and safer.
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Jan Fishler is a certified happiness coach and author. Her most recent books are Don’t Stop Now: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life and 52 Ways to Be Happy: from the inside out. You can learn more at www.JanFishler.net.
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