Every Day Is Exactly the Same

“I believe I can see the future, ’cause I repeat the same routine”  — Nine Inch Nails, Every Day Is Exactly the Same

Life is full of ruts. This is regardless of stage, as each one has its own routine. Sameness is a mixed bag because it helps keep things predictable and moving, but also has the ability to feel like a prison. As is often the case in all things, the trick is to find a balance between the routine and folding in some nuance and adventure.

Routines are good for you. Without them, life would be a chaotic mess of events. Structured weeks are key to helping people stay healthy. Routines are shown to help maintain weight loss, as people often eat the same foods, engage in consistent exercise, and do not skip meals. They also support better sleep, which affects your mental sharpness, emotional well-being, and energy. Knowing, and in many cases looking forward to, what comes next helps reduce stress¹. Health aside, consistency allows you to plan ahead for things such as project deliverables, family obligations, vacations, etc. Unfortunately, no matter how beneficial, doing the same thing every day can feel like a Groundhog Day nightmare. This can be addressed.

Routines can be broken into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary routines are behaviors necessary for maintaining livelihood and biological needs, such as hygiene, sleeping, and eating. These are fairly non-negotiable. Secondary routines reflect individual circumstances, which include exercising, leisure and/or social activities². Primary routines can be modified slightly with what meals you consume or where you sleep, but are more static (if you adhere to healthy habits). To keep things fresh, focus on the secondary. Try a new workout³. Do a creative writing activity⁴. Learn a new skill.

Even though it might be possible, it is not advisable to completely escape from routines. Embrace the benefits they bring, then modify portions of your day with things you enjoy and/or are new. Set aside time for your favorite hobby. It can be as extravagant as planning a new adventure or as simple as exploring new music. Remember, the worst days in life are often the ones in which you did nothing you enjoyed.

Action: Review your primary and secondary routines. How can you modify them to bring adventure into your week?

Further Reading:

1. The Importance of Creating Habits and Routine
2. Regularizing daily routines for mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
3. 45 of the Best Exercises to Boost Your Home Workout Gains
4. 365 Creative Writing Prompts