Despite countless articles about how powerful and important routines and habits are for change and improvement of behavior, many are still scared of routine. Do these include you?
Are you one of those who believe that success and happiness mean being spontaneous?
Meaning, what's ideal for you is having the ability to liberally choose what you can do, not to mention the luxury of having no set plans.
A lot of people say, intellectually, they understand the power of routine, and probably, they'd even claim they have seen how such a power works, and yet, they refuse to apply it in their personal lives.
Some psychologists say, if one has a stressful job, routines can make him feel less controlled by people. If they grow up in a routine-free, comparatively chaotic surrounding, he can propagate what he knows, instead of what he needs.
What Causes the Fear of Routine
Do you ever wonder why some, or even including you, are afraid of routines? One reason can be failure. For some people, having a regular routine means they need to be obligated to doing something.
Routine is basically about control, in this so-called uncertain and 'volatile world,' where most people feel so much in their area of concern. Still, quite little within their control, routines can provide them with a source of 'normalcy,' uniformity, and ease.
Some psychologists say, if one has a stressful job, routines can make him feel less controlled by people. More so, if he grows up in a routine-free, comparatively chaotic surrounding, he can propagate what he knows instead of what he needs.
Deep-down, a lot of people want others to take care of them, and that feeling, they say, of someone else developing the so-called 'drumbeat' of everyday activity can be comforting.
Most of those who fear routines claim, having children develops an obligatory routine by substitution, which can be constructive even though their time does not seem like their own anymore.
Therefore, routines can stimulate feelings of being under the control of others, as well as needing to be in control, which can cause a huge problem.
Link Between Routines and Mental Health
The essentiality of mental health has been linked to various related conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction, among others.
The reason behind this is that when we recognize ourselves and identify what to anticipate, it is simpler for us to actively work towards thwarting thoughts and symptoms of any of the mental health conditions mentioned.
A The Lancet Psychiatry study found that people who are in favor of an active daytime over nighttime routine have healthier sleeping habits and cycles.
This, as a result, are linked to better mental health and reduced risk of developing emotional hardships.
Meanwhile, as indicated in the said study, those with interrupted sleep cycles are found to have a higher tendency to manifest mental health problems.
Another research, which the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology published, showed that family routines could contribute to having "moderate impulsiveness and oppositional symptoms and traits in children."
A report on the finding said this is not surprising, especially when we understand that routine shields and helps children to feel they are safe as they know what to expect.
How to Let Go of Fear of Routine
Experts say the first step to get rid of the fear of routine is to realize that routines are inconsistent. Meaning, they give us power and control, but they are liberating, as well.
If you want to begin a routine, experts suggest that you try building one first, around things you love doing. If we like what we're doing, we are most likely committed to doing them regularly.
Playing an instrument, cooking or baking, watching a feel-good movie over breakfast are just among the many things most of us love to do. If we flex that routine muscle to do something we really love, this fear will soon disappear.
ALSO READ: Bringing 'Positive Psychology' Into the Workplace
Check out more news and information on Psychology and Mental Health in Science Times.
