As humans, our bodies—and more to the point, our minds—crave the comfort and mindlessness that routine offers. How so? Routine requires very little conscious thought, freeing our brain to focus on more complex tasks, according to Samantha Dutton, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and associate dean and social work program director at the University of Phoenix. This makes everyday tasks, like commuting to work, brushing our teeth, taking a shower, and so on, second nature. When we aren’t thinking about those necessities, we can pay more attention to other parts of our lives. “If we’ve learned anything from the previous year, the unexpected can happen, and it can cause anxiety,” Dutton says. “Having a routine will lower your anxiety because there’s no conscious thought in the everyday details of life. When you’re not worried about the daily grind, it can help you have more energy and be adaptable to the unexpected.” There are plenty of other benefits too, from our mental to our physical health. Here, we spoke with experts to identify why we should invest in a routine this year. “Since humans typically choose options that are easier than others, and since routines become automatic and require little decision-making, this study concluded that developing routines within individuals’ current lifestyles will help increase adherence to health care recommendations,” explains Joan Davidson, a licensed psychologist, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, and assistant professor in the Clinical Science Program at the University of California, Berkeley. RELATED: How to Make Good Habits Stick—Go Beyond New Year’s Resolutions RELATED: Feel Like You Don’t Enjoy Anything Anymore? There’s a Name for That—and Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It
