I recently went to a dinner and the conversation got very heated: lots of different opinions and a lot of passion! What was it about? Politics? Food? The environment? No. We were passionately debating about …routines!
What??!! What is passionate about routine? “Boring!” some exclaimed. “Essential!” said others.
I was amazed such a simple word could stir such strong opinions!
What is the story then? Are they good or not?
What is a routine?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a routine is “a sequence of actions regularly followed”. Sounds dry, maybe even painful?
But let’s dig deeper.
Are routines boring or are they the missing link to your health and wellbeing?
The opinions around the table were very divided.
On one side, some argued that routines are a kill-joy. To them, habits stop spontaneity, crush creativity and numb our minds. They put us into auto-pilot mode, stop us from thinking and are just a bore. Life should be about changes, flexibility, excitement and fun, every day.
On the other camp (my camp!), views were very different: routines are the key ingredient to progress. They are an essential part of our lives and THE way to any meaningful achievement – whether it is better health, stronger muscles, learning a new instrument, or writing the next bestseller.
What do you think?
As a matter of fact, whether we are aware of it or not, most of what we do every day is embedded routines.
From the moment we wake up – showering, having breakfast, brushing our teeth, making the bed – these actions flow almost effortlessly. The individual steps that constitute this morning routine are all automatic, coming from our unconscious brain – also called the “reptilian brain” or “primal brain” and thus not requiring any (or very little) energy.
Without this automatic system, our minds would be overwhelmed by decision fatigue before breakfast.
So routines aren’t just helpful – they are energy-saving, brain-preserving tools. But can we go beyond the basics?
The power of intentional routines
Sure, automatic habits like brushing our teeth are important. But when we intentionally build a routine—one designed to improve a specific area of our life – that’s when real transformation happens.
As humans, if we truly want to achieve something – improve our health, lose weight, strengthen our bones or reduce stress – we need to consistent habits to achieve results. It won’t happen by accident. Establishing a routine we can stick to will get us there! Repetition leads to improvement, and improvement leads to accomplishment.
Build your own routine (without the boredom)
Aside from the automatic morning routine mentioned above, we can decide to consciously create any routine for ourselves: eating a healthier breakfast, exercising more, or anything else.
For this, we need to plan.
Here’s a simple way to start:
- Pick a goal – Healthier eating? More movement? Better sleep?
- Break it down – What specific actions do you need to take? What ingredients or tools will you need?
- Plan it – When will you do it? Where? How often?
- Make it visual – Write it in your diary or calendar: non-negotiable!
- Stick to it – Repetition is key.
- Enjoy it – Make it something that brings you a little joy. Use your favourite dish. Light a candle. Play music. Make the experience enjoyable.
Here’s a simple example:
Let’s say you want to start eating a healthier breakfast. First, decide what that breakfast will be. Then, make sure you’ve got the ingredients (obviously 🙄). Each morning (or the night before if on a rush), take the time to prepare it, maybe even serve it on a nice plate, and savour it – meaningfully. Over time, this process becomes second nature – a healthy habit on autopilot (like the morning routine remember?). The key to it all is preparation, then repetition.
Simple enough, doesn’t it? Maybe even pleasant?
And trust me, once you start feeling the benefits – more energy, better mood, clearer skin, improved digestion, greater productivity – and the sense of achievement, you’ll want to keep going. Positive circle.
Routines: The foundation of health & wellbeing
Routines are therefore, in my view, essential if we want to achieve something.
As a Health and Nutrition Coach, I see it time and again: the people who thrive are the ones who put simple, regular habits in their lives.
Start on your new routine right now
In my line of work, routines are just essential. If you want to achieve true health and wellbeing, implementing regular steps are what makes the difference between feeling your best and being at the mercy of your aches and pain.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small. Think about what you want to change. Then write it down:
- What do I want to achieve?
- What do I need to do?
- When and where will I do it?
Then: Plan it. Do it. Stick to it. Repeat → Success!
Your new routine (not new anylonger 😃) will be your best friend. You will not think about it anymore, it will just become part of your life.
And you don’t have to do it alone
If the idea of setting up a new routine feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Sometimes we just need a little guidance and support to get there. That’s completely normal. We all need help now and then.
Need inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? You can check out some of my other blog posts right here or book a call with me here
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And stay tuned… a new post on staying motivated with your routine is coming soon.
Together we are always stronger.