The concept of motivation has evolved immensely throughout history. However, here I will be using the term “motivation” to refer to the drive that moves us toward a desire or goal.
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The concept of motivation has evolved immensely throughout history. However, here I will be using the term “motivation” to refer to the drive that moves us toward a desire or goal.
Can you think about the last time you felt motivated and how long it lasted? Examining this memory, it’s likely that most of us would agree motivation is heavily influenced by daily routines or daily activity. So, let’s take a deeper look at actions that we do consistently over time to help support more consistent levels of motivation as opposed to sudden bursts of inspiration.
Research from Murray, Gottlieb, and Swartz highlights that daily routines contribute to mood stabilization.1 Whereas research from Hou, Lai, Ben-Ezra, and Goodwin notes the importance of having regular routines to improve mental health.2 Combining messaging from both studies helps speak to both primary routines that involve daily living (hygiene, sleep, eating, etc.), as well as secondary routines that involve goals and leisure activities (social activities, preferences, work, etc.).
Another common obstacle for feeling motivated to do something is also feeling like you have a clear path to accomplish that thing. If you’re anything like me, there are days where I can turn overthinking into a professional sport. When you have routines, you can help to decrease excessive thinking which leads to better results.3 On top of routines helping us minimize overthinking, routines can also help remove negative emotions, such as worrying or doubt, that usually come from overthinking and can impact our ability to complete certain tasks.
Routines also provide a sense of control and predictability. According to Eilam, Izhar, and Mort,4 having a regular set of actions that we do consistently can help mitigate stress and anxiety. This sense of control can be incredibly empowering, making us feel more grounded and less reactive to the natural unpredictability of life.
Related: The Most Googled Mental Health Questions in Every State
Of course there are many more reasons to support routines in our daily lives, but the next step is about building these routines so we can build consistency. Here are some practical strategies to help you get started:
Start Small and Build Gradually: When establishing a new routine, start with small, manageable actions. For instance, begin with a five minute meditation session each morning or a short walk after dinner. As these actions become habits, gradually build on them to create a more comprehensive routine.
Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection: It's more important to maintain consistency than to execute routines perfectly. If you miss a day, don’t be too hard on yourself. The goal is to create sustainable habits that support your mental health and motivation over the long term.
Customize Your Routine: Your routine should reflect your personal needs and preferences. What works for one person might not work for another. Identify activities that genuinely boost your mood and productivity, and incorporate them into your daily schedule.
How does this relate to your business? A lot of wellness-based businesses have a unique opportunity to support their customers with this because most of the services you offer help your clients take care of themselves in one way or another. Here are several ways they can make a significant impact:
Creating a Supportive Environment: A calming and welcoming environment is fundamental for promoting mental well-being. Wellness businesses, such as gyms, spas, and yoga studios, can create spaces that encourage relaxation and mindfulness with the use of simple elements like soothing colors, comfortable seating and quiet zones.
Offering Mindfulness and Relaxation Activities: Classes or portions of classes (e.g., group fitness cool-down time) that focus on mindfulness, meditation and relaxation can be powerful tools for mental health. Harvard Medical School’s research indicates that these practices help reduce stress and improve focus. If you can, consider incorporating these aspects into your schedule or offerings.
All that being said, I very much respect it if you're thinking something like, “I like these ideas, but at the end of the day, I’m still operating a business.” So, let’s take a look at the long-term benefits supporting mental health routines can have on your business:
Increased Customer Loyalty: Customers who see positive changes in their mental health due to the support of a business are more likely to stay loyal to that business. Many demographics value the holistic approach to wellness, which includes mental health support, leading to repeat visits and referrals.
Enhanced Reputation and Community Impact: Businesses that prioritize their clients can enhance their reputation within the community. They become known as places that care about their customers’ overall well-being, attracting more people who are looking for comprehensive support and are highly selective about where they spend their hard-earned dollars. This positive reputation can help drive overall business growth and success.
If routines to better support mental health is an interesting topic to you personally and/or professionally, then these points are just the tip of the iceberg. I hope that this brief commentary inspires some reflective questions for your own routines and healthy habits.
References:
- Murray, G., Gottlieb, J., & Swartz, H. A. (2021). Maintaining daily routines to stabilize mood: Theory, data, and potential intervention for circadian consequences of COVID-19. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(1), 9-13.
- Hou, W. K., Lai, F. T., Ben-Ezra, M., & Goodwin, R. (2020). Regularizing daily routines for mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of global health, 10(2).
- McCann, S. (2008). Routines, rituals, and performing under pressure. Olympic Coach, 20, 14-15.
- Eilam, D., Izhar, R., & Mort, J. (2011). Threat detection: Behavioral practices in animals and humans. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(4), 999-1006.
Christine Schmidt is the director of marketing and community relations at LoopSpark (www.loopspark.com). She has been a leader in the boutique fitness industry for more than seven years and recently completed her work from Harvard University in "Leading through Digital Disruption."
