When life feels stressful or unpredictable, we know that we can always rely on our favorite familiar things to come back to. Finding a daily routine that you love to do can help reduce stress when everything feels draining.
With the holiday season coming up, finding relaxation in things that feel familiar and nostalgic can make the time even more enjoyable. We are coming up on the season of finals, gift shopping and lots of holidays, so it’s important that we are able to find ways to relax during a hectic season. For me, it’s important that I spend time with my family and balance doing schoolwork while enjoying the holiday season. Falling back on our nostalgic favorites and finding that comforting feeling can help us to make the season even more enjoyable than it already is and take away some of the stress.
Finding that comfort in familiarity doesn’t necessarily mean that we are avoiding change or growth, but our mental health is crucial to how we regulate our emotions during a chaotic life. Something about returning to the same show or movie can provide comfort to us in a way that new experiences won’t. For me, I love to rewatch the same sitcoms over and over as they are the best way to unwind without stressing about a long day. Building a routine of habitual things that you enjoy can be beneficial for your mental health and make your days more enjoyable.
Activities that are familiar and enjoyable for us release dopamine in our brain that can make us feel happy or calm. This chemical response is essential for controlling stress levels and signaling to your mind that it’s okay to relax. Over time these routines train our brains to expect to feel calm while doing certain activities. Returning to familiar activities is a small but effective way to manage stress without realizing it.
When things feel uncertain, like school, sports and relationships, routine gives us something to rely on that’s always predictable. When I have a long day, I’ve learned to block out time for myself to watch a few episodes of The Office or unwind with a lot of self care. It’s the same thing when I’m sick; I like to eat my favorite foods and rewatch childhood shows. It sounds cliche, but having familiar routines when you’re stressed actually makes a notable difference in controlling your stress levels.
As life gets busier, finding comforting habits that are good for your mental health and keep you grounded can make a big impact on your overall happiness. Pushing yourself to try new things then returning to things that you know you enjoy can help you recharge when you need it the most. Finding a balance between stepping out of your comfort zone and giving yourself time to rest is what makes having a routine so special.
Predictable routines help us to relieve stress and anxiety in a way that’s not overcomplicated to accomplish, unlike a busy schedule. Comfort isn’t just an indulgence; it’s a way to take care of yourself and make your daily routine more enjoyable.
