The value of routine

Image courtesy Stuart Miles, freedigitalphotos.net

With our crazy, busy lives it's not always easy to find a routine, but the smallest amount of structure can make the biggest impact.  Just think about it... how good do you feel if you go to bed and get up at the same time every day?  Well, if you're getting more than 4 hours of sleep, anyway.  It's because your body needs that routine.  

It's not just your body - your brain needs routine, too.  I'm not talking about structuring every second of your day.  But, having a general routine will promote peace of mind and also enable you to get more done in a day.  I can probably go on and on about this topic, but let's focus on a bedtime routine.  At the end of the day, it's so important to have a routine to wind down and relax.  

A bedtime routine can be any length of time, but it should include disconnecting from the electronic world.  There have been so many studies showing that screen time immediately before bedtime make it more difficult for the brain to slow down and get restful sleep.  I know, I know, you got sucked in to Pinterest again, right?  Well, put down the smartphone and pick up a book!  Lose yourself in a different world.  Or, if reading isn't your thing, take a few minutes to practice some deep breathing.

Others find relaxation in figuring out the important to-do's for the next day.  That's fine, too.  Planning the next day provides many with a sense of calm, especially if they know the next day is going to be really busy.  

Whatever makes up part of your routine, create it and stick to it as much as possible.  This trains your body and brain to gear down - leading to a better night's sleep.  And, good sleep will give us a better chance to have a peaceful tomorrow. #peacefullife #bedtimeroutine

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Image courtesy nenetus from freedigitalphotos.net