The Return to Routine

Summer’s got a way of throwing routine out the window. Late nights on patios, random weekend road trips, “I’ll deal with it in September” energy. But honestly, that’s what summer’s for. Capitalizing on the long days, the nice weather, and the fact that everyone at work is OOO, even if it means a little chaos.

Now that August is wrapping up, you can feel the weight of everything you might have put off creeping back in, right alongside coworkers returning from summer break. Instead of letting that stress take over, try to use routine as a reset. It shifts September from something we typically dread into something we can actually look forward to.

Why Routine Matters

• Predictability calms your brain. When your days have structure, your nervous system gets a break. You don’t waste energy on constant decision-making, which lowers stress.

• Mood follows rhythm. Anchoring your day with consistent sleep, meals, and movement supports serotonin levels, which directly impacts mood stability.

• Habits = resilience. Even simple routines (like daily walks, morning journaling, or weekly sauna sessions) create small wins. Over time, those wins build resilience for the harder days.

• It saves your willpower. Decision fatigue is real. A set routine removes friction, leaving more energy for the things you actually care about.

And routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one thing you know is good for you: Try 5 minutes of daily meditation, a weekly catch-up with a friend, or electrolytes first thing in the morning. By starting with a single habit, you create a foundation to build a bigger daily routine.