What?  How can a routine being bad for you?   I mean, with routines, I get more done in the day,  know what to expect, experience less stress, and I’m comfortable with knowing what the outcome is likely to be when I’m done.  But is this “healthy”?  In some respects, yes, since it may produce less stress and anxiety.  But on the other hand, having set routines “deadens” our brains so that we do things almost subconsciously and don’t provide any exercise to them.  Over time, this could produce problems.

     If you drive to work every day, using the same route, you use the same brain routes.  But, when you deviate slightly, other brain areas are activated, as the brain is primed to seek out and respond to what is unexpected.   When we become more predictable, we don’t tap into our brain’s potential to learn something new and “grow”.   In other words, our brains don’t get exercise.

     Now, routines aren’t necessary bad.  The same brain connections get stronger when we do the same thing.  Have you done something so often that you said that you could do it blindfolded?  How about driving the same route that when you arrive at home, you don’t remember how you got there?  These activities are second nature, as you have done something over and over again that the connection in your brain to get from Point A to Point B is so strong that you can do it with little thought. 

     Routines can be good when you are looking for predictability on the outcome and, thus, experience less stress.  For example, when you have a routine of getting ready before work, you can predict if you will be ready by a certain time.  Same goes for perfecting a sport.  When you practice a routine, you get better and better and can expect a better outcome than if you didn’t practice the routine or drill.

     While routines can be good, they can be brain deadening since you use little energy when you don’t seek out new experiences.  So, why not try a new way to work tomorrow? Why not try a new hobby?  Maybe even a new restaurant with a different atmosphere?  You never know what joy a new experience can bring.  So, what new thing would you like to try today?