I’ve been following routines since high school, but when I look back, I realize it started much earlier. Technically, everyone has followed routines since they were kids. From waking up at a set time, brushing your teeth, and getting ready for school, our lives have always had a built-in structure guiding our actions. These early routines may have been forced upon us by parents, teachers, or society, but they played a crucial role in shaping who we are today. They laid a foundation, teaching us discipline, time management, and the importance of prioritizing tasks.

As we grow older, this forced structure evolves into something more personal and intentional. I will admit, I’m not a fan of rigid, imposed routines that leave no room for flexibility, but what I do love is creating my own routines. There’s a certain power in setting up routines that are tailored to my needs and lifestyle. My Sunday routines, my filming routine, my work routine—everything in my life has its own rhythm. These self-created routines give me a sense of control and direction in a world that can often feel chaotic.

Routines aren’t just limited to planned tasks or specific days; they encompass every aspect of our lives. What many people don’t realize is that they already have routines in place, even if they don’t consciously label them as such. The rise of self-care trends on social media has popularized concepts like Sunday resets, skincare rituals, and morning routines. These trends may seem like passing fads, but they highlight a deeper truth about human behavior: we naturally gravitate toward patterns that make our lives smoother and more efficient.

Think about it—every morning when you wake up, you likely follow a sequence of actions without even thinking about it. Maybe you grab a cup of coffee before jumping into the shower, or you stop at your favorite café on the way to work. These simple habits might seem insignificant, but they are routines that set the tone for your day, preparing your mind and body to tackle whatever comes next.

Sometimes, your subconscious identifies what works best for you, leading you to develop routines that make parts of your life run smoothly. Routines are essential for creating structure and can help reduce decision-making and scheduling stress. I sometimes anticipate getting home when I’m having a bad day not only because I feel like I am done with the day and just want to file it away, but I also anticipate getting home for my nightly routine. Most nights I have a hot bath with bath salts and body wash. It’s refreshing and it gets me ready for bed. I have plenty of time to rest and just do some mindless scrolling. While in the bath I try not do do work or anything important. Even though while I’m in the bathtub is when I find myself to be more creative.

One of the most significant benefits of having routines is how they help reduce decision fatigue. Every day, we are faced with countless decisions, big and small, that drain our mental energy. By having routines in place, you eliminate a lot of the small, repetitive decisions that can take up valuable brain space. You know exactly what your morning looks like, what you need to do next, and how to transition from one task to another without wasting time thinking about it. This automaticity allows you to save your energy for the decisions that really matter.

It’s also worth noting that routines provide a sense of stability and security, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. When life throws you off balance, your routines can act as an anchor, grounding you and giving you something familiar to hold onto. They create a sense of normalcy, even when everything else seems out of control. For me, following my filming routine or my Sunday reset can be a form of self-care, helping me reset my mind and find peace amidst the chaos.

So, whether it’s a skincare routine, a fitness regimen, or a morning ritual that includes your favorite cup of tea, these habits are all part of the larger framework of your life. Embrace them, refine them, and make them your own, because routines have the power to transform not just your day, but your entire approach to life.