From Chaos to Calm: Finding Comfort in Routine

I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last 12 months, but something that hit me only recently was just how much I rely on routine.

Whether it’s the predictable rhythm of my 9-to-5 workdays or the familiar morning walks I enjoyed during my recent holiday, having a routine grounds me. Without it, I start to feel untethered, disassociated, and even on the verge of falling apart.

That’s not to say I always shy away from spontaneity. In fact, some of my best memories from 2024 were unplanned adventures with my husband. But I’ve realised that without some form of structure to return to, I struggle to find balance. 

This got me wondering: Am I alone in my reliance on routine? Or is it a shared experience? And, more importantly, how does routine - or the lack thereof - affect our dogs?

Are we Hardwired for Routine?

A 2017 survey by the British Heart Foundation revealed that over half of Brits stick to the same daily routine. For some, even simple changes like getting a new haircut feel daunting - something I can definitely relate to after taking over a year to commit to bangs!

With further research from the Harvard Business Review revealing that 92% of highly productive people follow planned morning routines, having a daily routine clearly boosts productivity, but its benefits extend far beyond that.

Psychological studies highlight that routines can:

• Improve sleep quality.

• Reduce anxiety.

• Boost cognitive function.

• Aid in managing mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

  
  

As someone diagnosed with depression at 14, I’ve seen firsthand how a solid daily routine supports my mental health - and how disruptions can destabilise it. Having a routine saves mental energy, frees up decision-making bandwidth, and creates space for self-care.

However, routines can have drawbacks too. Without variation, they can leave us feeling stuck, resistant to change, or socially isolated. Striking the right balance is key.

The Pros and Cons of Routine

Advantages

• Increased Productivity: Having a predictable schedule helps us prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently. As someone who works from home full-time, starting the day with Trixie’s enthusiastic wakeup call, followed by the girls’ breakfast, a morning walk, and a quiet coffee before opening my laptop, sets the tone for a productive workday.

• Reduced Stress: Knowing what to expect brings comfort. On my recent holiday to Tenerife, maintaining elements of my usual routine - like early morning walks - eased my anxiety, allowing me to enjoy the experience fully.

• Improved Health: Routines that include balanced meals, regular exercise, and self-care promote physical and mental well-being. When I stick to my routine, my diet, in particular, is much improved. Not only do I eat more regular meals, but I have set time for preparing homemade meals, rather than relying on takeaways.

Disadvantages

• Comfort Zone Complacency: With 27% of people surveyed as part of The British Heart Foundation’s 2017 study saying that their daily routine has left them feeling stuck in a rut, being too rigid can leave even the most routine-reliant of us feel repetitive and uninspired. 

• Resistance to Change: Routines can make adapting to new situations stressful. When Trixie joined our family, I struggled to adjust to the chaos of puppy life. Letting go of my old routines and building new ones felt daunting, but ultimately, it brought balance back to our lives.

• Social Isolation: Working from home has led to fewer social interactions for me. While I value my comfort zone, stepping outside it for social activities is a challenge I continue to work on.

Why Dogs Thrive on Routine

Dogs, like us, are creatures of habit. They find security in predictability and thrive when their days follow a familiar rhythm. Regular mealtimes, exercise, and rest aren’t just about physical needs – they’re the foundation of emotional well-being for our four-legged friends.

Much like a toddler might find comfort in a bedtime story, dogs relax when they know what to expect. A predictable schedule helps regulate their sleep, reduces anxiety, and provides mental stimulation – which is especially important for high-energy breeds like border collies.

In young dogs, particularly those up to four months, establishing a routine means they learn from a young age what to expect, something they then carry into their understanding of the world and their later relationships with humans.

The Benefits of Routine for Dogs

• Reduced Anxiety: Like many of us, dogs are creatures of habit and having a consistent routine provides them with a sense of security. By knowing what to expect and when to expect it, they are less likely to suffer from anxiety and stress.

• Better Physical Health: Regular feeding, exercise, and bathroom schedules promote better physical health, ensuring dogs receive the necessary care and nutrition.

• Mental Stimulation: Providing regular activities that encourage mental stimulation is a great way to prevent boredom and the associated negative behaviours - especially for high energy breeds such as border collies!

• Improved Sleep: A routine helps regulate your dog’s sleep patterns, ensuring they get the 12-14 hours of rest they need daily.

  
  

That said, life isn’t always predictable. Holidays, visitors, or changes in schedule can throw off routines. During these times, maintaining core elements like regular feeding times or walks can help ease the transition for your furry friend.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Balance

Reflecting on my own reliance on routine is a reminder of how deeply it mirrors the needs of my dogs. Vivienne and Trixie thrive on the comfort of structure, just as I do. But life is unpredictable, and change is inevitable - both for myself and my girls.

The key is finding balance. For our dogs, this means preserving the foundations of their routine, even during hectic times, to help them feel secure. For ourselves, it’s about recognising when routine serves us and when stepping outside of it might help us grow.

So, as I look ahead to 2025, I’m challenging myself to embrace change more often. 

While it might feel uncomfortable at first, I know that embracing change - even in small ways - can open the door to growth and new experiences. Whether it’s taking a different route for my evening walk or saying yes to an impromptu day out, I want to remind myself that growth lies just beyond the comfort zone.

And as I continue to balance routine with spontaneity, I’ll strive to do the same for my girls, ensuring that we all flourish, no matter what life throws our way.