Why Routine Can Feel Comforting in Uncertain Times
As life becomes unpredictable, our nervous systems instinctively search for something predictable to hold onto. I have witnessed this many times with clients, loved ones and myself alike. Chaos doesn’t necessarily stem from dramatic events–sometimes it comes in the form of long stretches of stress, change or having too many responsibilities at once–in these instances even small routines can provide comforting anchors to hold onto.
Routine isn’t about controlling your life; rather, it is about creating gradual and gentle moments to help you regain an internal sense of stability despite what might appear uncertain externally. These rituals reassure the system there will always be stability even during challenging periods in your life.
Structure May Help Calm Nervous System
As our days become increasingly chaotic, our nervous systems stay on edge – leading us to feeling tired or discombobulated even without significant events happening that day. A consistent routine in the morning or evening signals to your body that it can relax – decreasing stress hormones while moving you beyond survival mode.
Doing something grounding every day doesn’t need to be complicated – even one habit repeated regularly will tell your body: ‘You are safe here.”
Start With One or Two Light Rituals
If your life feels overwhelming, don’t overextend yourself trying to create an elaborate schedule. Start small: drinking water before checking your phone; lighting a candle before work; stretching for one minute prior to bed are just three ways you could build micropockets of stability that could shift your entire mood!
Choose routines that feel relaxing rather than like additional tasks; comfort should always come before productivity.
Routines May Reduce Mental Overload
Routines help ease decision-making during chaotic seasons by relieving some of that mental load; when following gentle patterns, your brain won’t need to think so hard about what comes next.
Unleashing emotional energy releases stress-reducing energies while giving you space to breathe, reset, and navigate your day with greater ease.
Restoring Control with Routine
Chaos often leaves us feeling powerless; routine restores a sense of agency–something we have some control over even when many other elements seem out of our hands. Additionally, routine connects us back with ourselves and reminds us of how strong we really are during trying moments.
Routines should evolve alongside you; expanding in quieter seasons while relaxing during difficult ones.
Setup Your Routine as a Source of Comfort, Not Pressure
Routines should be flexible. They’re invitations, not demands; their purpose should be to lighten your day rather than add weight to it. If something stops serving its intended purpose, adjust it or skip a day as necessary; your routine is there for support, not vice versa!
Small rituals can provide essential support when life gets chaotic; providing grounding, stability and inner calm which we may need in order to survive the turmoil that life often throws our way.
