Routine is defined as “a regular way of doing things in a particular order” in the dictionary. Although in everyday life, it can mean a range of things, depending on the person. For some, it can mean waking up early in the morning to go to school/work, while for others, for example, it could mean maintaining their daily exercise habits to stay in shape. The point is, routine, a minor but overlying factor, has much significance in the grand scheme of things. For example, a person wanting to get in better shape, would reach his/her goal successfully if he/she repetitively exercises over a longer period of time than for a day when he/she simply “felt like working out”. In order to maintain his/her exercise habits without having to find time for them every day, the person would devise a way to fit them into his/her daily routine, and thereafter by simply following that routine diligently for a longer period of time.
Hence, by having a routine, be it daily, weekly, etc., big plans and projects become much easier to complete, as one can do things step by step, which makes things easier, compared to trying to do everything at once, which can feel overwhelming.
A general routine is taught to almost everyone by society, a routine which basically includes going to school/work, resting, and having time for ourselves. It can be quite easy to follow this routine, as it is generally accepted by everyone, and most people generally have similar routines. The trouble arises when one starts to include self-made plans in one’s routine, which can feel different than the general public’s routine, and has to cut into other activities in one’s routine.
For example, suppose a teenage boy has a weekly routine, in which he goes to school from 8:00 to 15:00 for 5 days a week, hits the gym for 2 hours 4 days a week, sleeps for 8-9 hours every night, has to do homework for about 1 hour every day, works at the local supermarket 8 hours a week, and finally has to spend time with his family, and friends. His friends and peers also have somewhat varying, but mostly similar routines, and therefore everyone understands and accepts each other’s routines. What if the teenage boy decided one day that he would like to start spending time on some hobby every week? It would most likely cut into his free time, and/or his other weekly activities, and if his hobby is quite unusual, then he might not get much support or understanding from his circle, and therefore possibly lose motivation.
To sum things up, routine is an important element of our life, as we can benefit greatly from it, if we use it properly. Society teaches us a general routine, which can be easy to follow and understand, however, when one deviates from it, it can be overwhelming, as one may not have enough time to do everything one would like to, and as it could be different than the generally understood routine in society.
Share your thoughts