Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

How to Change Your Life with a Simple Routine

It’s human nature to gravitate toward a routine. Whether it’s a morning ritual, visiting your favorite lunch spot every Tuesday, or maintaining a productivity schedule, routines bring us a sense of control and safety. But science shows us that routine is good for your well-being, too.

Routines Build a Healthier, Happier You

Repeated behaviors, or routines, have been shown to reduce stress, improve productivity, and enhance focus and concentration. They contribute to overall well-being and make us feel more in control of our lives.

How to Build a Routine

Most of us would love to incorporate stability into our lives by building a routine, but it’s not always easy to do. Creating a productive routine involves careful planning and a commitment to sticking with it. Here are a few steps for creating your own healthy routines:

#1: Define Your Goals

Start by identifying your short-term and long-term goals. What do you want to achieve or improve through your routine? Your goals will guide the structure of your routine.

#2: Time Blocking

Divide your day into time blocks. Assign specific activities or tasks to each block. Be realistic about how much time each task or activity will take, and make sure your schedule is feasible.

#3: Create a Schedule

Design a daily or weekly schedule that incorporates your time blocks. Consider your natural energy levels and work preferences. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others are night owls. Plan accordingly.

#4: Use Time Management Tools

Time management tools and techniques such as to-do lists, calendars, and digital apps can help you stay organized and on track.

#5: Limit Distractions

Identify common distractions and create a work environment that minimizes them. This may include turning off notifications, silencing your phone, and using website blockers if needed.

#6: Review and Adjust

Periodically evaluate your routine to assess its effectiveness. Are you making progress toward your goals? If not, consider making adjustments to your schedule or priorities.

Woman works with papers at desk

Employment: The Ultimate Routine Builder

At Goodwill, we understand the positive effect regular responsibilities can have on us all. Employment is a great way to create a routine and maximize feelings of productivity, responsibility, and achievement. It’s one of the many reasons we strive to connect individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities and job skills training.

Goodwill’s services help individuals find personal fulfillment and reach vocational success. When you shop at an Ohio Valley Goodwill thrift store or donate items at one of our many donation centers, you’re helping people in our community transform their lives through employment and a reliable routine. Thank you for your support!