Routines and mental health

Following basic day-to-day rituals and routines can help support your mental health.

These could be as simple as eating a meal at the same time each day. Following the same method to complete a daily chore. Or preparing for sleep in the same way each night.

Having routines for things can help reduce the build-up of stress. They can provide a sense of structure and rhythm. And in times of uncertainty, they can remind you that there are things within your control.

It’s not always simple to stick to a routine, and that’s OK. There are things you can do that will help.

Illustration of woman meditating on a rug

Why you might struggle with routines

There are many factors that can affect your ability to establish or maintain a routine. These will differ according to your own unique situation. But some of the more common things are:

whether you are employed, the type of work you do and the hours involved
your financial situation
where you live and what your day-to-day environment is like
your family situation and your relationships
how much consistency and structure you had while growing up
your physical health and wellbeing.

Routines and anxiety or depression

Thinking about your routines is one way to check in on your mental health.

You might be finding it hard to follow your normal routines. Or you might notice an increase in unhealthy habits. This could mean that your mental health is being challenged. It may also be a symptom of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

If you do have mild anxiety or depression, having healthy routines can help with the symptoms.

Learn more about anxiety

Learn more about depression

Benefits of having routines

There are a number of ways that following routines can be good for your mental health. Some benefits include:

reduced levels of stress
better concentration and more energy
improved decision-making
increased confidence and sense of certainty
feelings of security and control
reduced cognitive load (because you don’t have to give as much thought to simple tasks).

I buy a coffee from my local café every day on my way to work. I sit down and enjoy some time to myself before the day begins.

How to develop and maintain healthy routines

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Supporting other people

You might notice when a loved one becomes more distracted or disorganised than usual. Their normal routines might have changed. They might be missing things you usually do together. Or maybe they are struggling with an unhealthy routine.

If you’re concerned, it’s worth chatting to them about it.

Get advice on how to talk to someone you're worried about