The Benefits of Having a Routine

I used to hate having a routine. I always thought that spontaneous is better, that each day can be lived more fully when you don't have a routine holding you back, and that routines were for squares.

Then one day when I got older, I realized that I was craving something. I needed some kind of structure in my life to help me manage stress, and to feel like I was a real adult with real responsibilities who was fully settled in their life. What I was craving was a routine.

One reason why I started System Akvile was that I realized and recognized the importance of a skincare routine. For all my life, I was treating my skin very superficially, jumping from one product to another and hoping for a quick fix. Many products need time to show how effective they are on the skin, and good and clear skin doesn't happen by accident - the routine should become a habit.

Human beings are creatures of habit. We love feeling like we're in a familiar space, with familiar things around us, and knowing what's around the bend. There are some fantastic benefits to having a routine, and these are just a few:

1. You're less stressed

Believe it or not, having a routine can make you less stressed. When things are in chaos at the office, your stress levels go through the roof, and you may feel like you're a chicken running around with its head cut off in the middle of a tornado. No one likes feeling that way.

Sure, there are always going to be days like that, but having a routine and having a structure will help minimize them, and you'll come out the other side completely nonplussed.

2. You have more "you time" 

When I was younger, I thought that having a routine would mean that I wouldn't have any time to be me and do what I wanted to do. However, I've found that in fact it's the complete opposite.

Having a structured routine allows you to schedule when you need to do things, and then once you've accomplished them, you have all the time in the world just for you. Having a routine will also allow you to set aside blocks during the day for yourself. 20 minutes here and there can really do a lot for your state of mind, and at the end of the day, you'll have so much more time to relax than you thought you would.

3. No more procrastination

Without a set routine, it's way too easy to procrastinate on things. The idea of, "oh, I have the whole day ahead of me. I have plenty of time to do it later," is what caused me to be working sometimes at 9 or 10 at night. I had procrastinated so much that it was negatively affecting other parts of my life. When my routine-having friends were off relaxing and having fun together, I was stuck at home getting stuff done that I had been putting off all day.

If you set a routine, you'll know when you have to do things, and you'll be able to get them done when they're supposed to be done. You may even accomplish more than you did before!

4. Better sleep

A good routine is especially useful before bedtime. According to the National Sleep Foundation, waking up and going to sleep at the same times every day will help to set your circadian rhythm (otherwise known as your internal clock), and can help you fall asleep faster, and get a more restful sleep.

5. Break bad habits

Do you have some old, worn out habits that you've been meaning to get rid of for god knows how long? Setting a routine can help you break your old habits. how, though?

By replacing them with good habits. Make these good habits your goal, set a routine around them, and focus on them. Making space in your life for good habits and centering your routine around them won't leave any space for your bad habits.

Take exercise, for example. Want to break your bad habit of not exercising? Set a new routine, centered on exercise, and there will be no room left for just hanging out on the couch all day (and even if there is, you'll have deserved it).

As a victim of dieting I had a very irregular eating routine - skipping meals, eating irregularly. So much have changed since I started eating regularly. No matter how busy I am, I never skip my three meals. As a result, my body recognized that it doesn't need to feel hungry anymore, because I always eat regularly. Since then, I don't feel any need to overeat or snack between my meals. Now I'm working on my exercise routine as well. It's really hard to motivate myself to stick to my workout routines, however, I strongly believe that once I have built a routine, I will stick to it.

Skincare Thoughts

The same goes for your skin, as well. Just like the rest of your body, your skin loves to have a set routine to help it deal with its care. Be strict with your skincare routine, but be careful not to overdo it. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and using a spot treatment (as necessary) twice a day is plenty. Any more, and you risk over-treating your skin.

That’s why I believe that having a strict & easy to follow skincare routine can help a lot if you have acne-prone skin.

Easy routines are easy to make into a daily habit, and your skin will thank you for it. Skin that is treated well with an easy-to-follow skincare routine will reward you by being clearer and healthier all around.

Try it out for yourself to see.

Do you have a daily routine? How has it benefited you? Share your results with us! We'd love to hear them!