I once listened to someone reflect on the power of the routine of daily making one’s bed. “It’s such an insignificant thing, right? It’s just a bed I’ll mess up later tonight! What’s the big deal?” Consider this. Making one’s bed to start the day is one of the first opportunities to accomplish something in the day. Although there’s a small sense of accomplishment likely derived from this, making one’s bed can activate one’s behavior to create a more productive day. Making a bed can help someone feel better about themselves, boost confidence, feel more in control, increase a positive mindset, and start the process of achievable goals right from the very start of the day. Starting the day like this can spark a series of small accomplishments for some, creating a meaningful cycle of achievements, positive feelings, and a readiness to take on the next thing.

Each day offers many opportunities to string together a set of behaviors that can be transformational. Or not. 

Routines can be fruitful and helpful AND they can be wasteful and hindering. For example, someone may have an evening routine involving preparations for the next day, personal self-care, leisure, quietness, and relaxation. Those are all good; however, maybe a routine is hindering a person. For instance, excessive scrolling of social media, procrastinating, avoiding things, or engaging in perpetual bad habits may all be considered unhealthy routines. It is very possible to be in a routine doing the wrong thing!

Routines impact our mental health for the better because they can create a sense of structure in our lives that can be difference-making because routines help us eliminate or reduce stress and help us all feel more in control. If everything feels out of control in life, at least making one’s bed is a thing that IS in control. A routine creates a sense of focus towards a desired set of outcomes. Routines also help establish a degree of predictability, which we all know can be very grounding.

A routine can be centered around several things including self-care, household tasks, or time and connections with others- just to name a few. The options are vast! Maybe there’s spots in all our lives where we could be more consistent, productive, and involved with our lives. Try prioritizing a routine with those areas of life and watch the benefits mentioned above create meaningful results in those areas!

God’s Word reminds us of the power of routines. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus reminds us that God rewards prayer and devotion. In Proverbs 12:11, we learn how routine work and integrity leads to abundance. Exodus 20:8-10 teaches that rest helps us achieve balance. Kindness and service to others emphasized in Philippians 2:4 helps us care for others and set ourselves aside. Having a daily sprit of gratitude (Psalm 118:24) helps us approach each day with a positive attitude and outlook. 

Developing meaningful routines is powerful and life-changing! Taking the time to evaluate and develop routines can elevate any person’s personal life, work, confidence, and connections with others. Don’t underestimate how the power of routinely committing to a few regular things- making one’s bed, prayer, exercise, communicating with others, or planning the meals for the week- can produce very positive: emotions, psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual benefits!