visual schedules

Everybody Loves Routines

Don’t we all crave predictability? When we know what is happening and what is expected of us, there is less stress and anxiety. Worrying and self-doubt often happen when we are not quite sure what is going to happen next and when. The not knowing is what can cause a downward spiral in our thoughts and behavior, lead to significant stress, and result in pain, fatigue, and illness. While we cannot always know next steps or anticipate outcomes, we can arrange the known variables in our life in such a way that we can relax and live each day to its fullest.  One way to accomplish this is to establish daily routines that can create a sense of stability even if there are unknowns in our life. Children and young adults particularly thrive when they can follow daily routines that remain more or less the same.