Routines are not rigid boxes, they are building blocks for higher functioning
I used to hate routines because I hated doing the same exact things every single day—then my life felt unbalanced with all the ‘spontaneity’ I thought I was living with. Everything faltered—academics, relationships, and health—and everything was done just for ‘survival’. Doing schoolwork just to get passing grades, damaging friendships just because I have to catch up on work, and deteriorating my mental, as well as physical health. At this point, why would I even bother being spontaneous? It’s doing me more harm than good.
I did not look forward to anything, until I did. I swore to myself that I would make matcha first thing, every morning, and then everything else would fall into place.
Routines are not inflexible schedules and black-and-white days of daily tasks nor they are robotic—if they are tailored to you. Don’t just pick up some random morning routine you found on a tiktok—it would most likely not work. Those lifestyle influencers are inspiration at most.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Why Routines Matter
Imagine an ideal version of yourself. What is their lifestyle? What is the first thing that they do when they wake up? How do they go about their day? What do they do before they sleep?
Routines are all about consistency. With a consistent set of habits in practice, we put less mental effort into thinking about what we should do next. Our brains are then freed up to focus on what really matters: complex tasks.
Think scaffolding. Routines are not the final product, but they provide a great foundation for something envisioned, like a building. Sure, we can make buildings without foundations, but they would not last with all the winds and other rough weather.
A building without foundations is not sustainable. The same goes for the goals we strive for if we neglect routines. We might achieve our goals, but it doesn’t really end there, does it? We would have more challenges and harsh winds to take in—what would our old achieved goals do then? Exactly.
Routines Create Freedom, Not Limitations
One of the biggest misconceptions about routines is that they limit our flexibility. In reality, routines create the freedom to prioritize what matters. By establishing certain habits, we save time and energy that would otherwise be wasted on mundane or repetitive tasks. This efficiency allows us to have more time for things that truly energize or inspire us.
For instance, a student with a consistent study routine doesn’t need to scramble before exams or assignments. This reliable system frees up time for social activities, hobbies, or downtime. The key is balance—routines don’t mean every minute of the day is planned, but they give you a framework that supports your goals without exhausting your mental resources.
Routines Build Resilience
Life is unpredictable, and challenges will inevitably arise. During times of stress, routines offer a sense of stability. When everything around us feels chaotic, routines anchor us in familiar patterns that bring comfort and predictability. Knowing what to expect from your day, even when things go awry, can help you stay grounded.
Resilience comes from small, daily habits that, over time, build a strong foundation. When we establish positive routines, we equip ourselves to handle the ups and downs of life with greater ease and less anxiety.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Routine
Routines are far from being the suffocating boxes we often imagine. They are, instead, foundations that enable us to function at our best. By reducing stress, improving focus, and promoting mental clarity, routines create a structure that supports higher-level functioning in every aspect of life. When used consistently, routines can help us live more fulfilling, balanced lives with plenty of room for spontaneity and joy.
Check out: How to Build Routines that Work