Though many people are taking the unexpected break from reality as a time to relax and sleep well into the afternoon, it’s important to establish a routine to stay healthy throughout the pandemic.
Having a routine is important at all times, but it is essential to get through the new normal. Routines promote many mental and physical health benefits.
Creating a schedule helps alleviate stress. There is less worry about when everything will get done. This also lessens time wasted and makes for more time to do activities for enjoyment rather than just the daily work.
Junior Reese Lienemann has made a schedule to help her through this unprecedented time. “Online learning can be a lot and having a routine makes it easier to get it all done,” she said.
Following a routine to decrease stress has its health benefits. Northwestern Medicine stated, “Better stress levels lead to improved mental health, more time to relax and less anxiety.”
Along with reduced stress, another benefit of following a routine is better sleep. Studies show that waking up at the same time daily can lead to a decrease in insomnia and better health.
Junior Courtney Mohr stated “A lot of nights in the time off from school I have stayed up until 3 or 4 in the morning,” she said. “Recently I’ve started setting a sleep schedule and it has helped throughout my day.”
As many are stuck at home some begin to snack, sometimes out of boredom. Not having a routine and set times to eat can lead to unhealthy eating habits as well as increase unnecessary weight gain. Eating at set times will help steer away from needless snacking and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Organizing the day helps not just physical but mental health as well. Clinical psychologist Claudia W. Allen recommends having a routine to avoid depression during this unknown time. Daily regimens can lead to a decline in depression and anxiety because of the psychological benefits.
Routines have shown to be very beneficial. They include lower stress levels along with other health benefits. Starting a routine during quarantine is important to stay healthy both mentally and physically.
