Many of us are creatures of routine. We enjoy the pace and structure of our days and are most comfortable within them. Perhaps this is why starting and stopping are so difficult, because they are a break in our otherwise predictable routine. While a break can be a good thing, it also may leave feelings of unease because routines also offer predictability which our calm-loving minds enjoy.

Anytime we have to think about what to do, there is a cognitive tax on our brains that has to consider the options, select the best one, and then action it. When we are on auto-pilot, this is greatly reduced since we are often just going through the motions. As a personal example I tend to take the same route to work and back home daily. It tends to be the shortest and easiest, but there are a couple other ways that I could go that would be comparable. My regular route though is currently undergoing construction which means any other route would be better than this one. But, I have driven through that construction more times than not simply because it is part of my routine, and routines are hard to break. When I stop and think about it, I would definitely pick another route, but unfortunately don’t remember it until I see the construction signs . 

Schools of course are built to be places of routine. There is likely a procedure when you first enter the building (come in, go to your locker, get your things, go to class). The periods are regulated by bells, there is a logical flow to the day, etc.

Creating routines can be a powerful way to start your year for both you and your students. They take a little bit of time to establish, but once they are, you don’t have to think about them too often. For students, this helps them to gain predictability and lessen anxiety in the classroom, for teachers, it means that you will have to spend less time directing students if they know the routines. 

Similarly, in the dark days of winter when you are tired, these routines will take very little to maintain rather than trying to create new ones (think of all the New Year’s Resolutions that fail). 

Routines could include how you structure your classes, which people you check in with, or other habits that work for you (such as taking the dog for a walk before you get to school or hitting the gym before you pick up the kids). For myself, I like my morning routine of being on the door to say good morning to every student who comes in. For others it could be a routine of only checking email when you first arrive and just before you leave so you are not bringing it home or trying to multitask all day as you try to keep up on them as they ping into your inbox.

One of my routines that I used to have early in my career was that when I got home, I would take off my watch and put it on a side table. This was a clear indicator to me that I was no longer in ‘work mode’ and helped with the separation. 

As you settle into the new year, think about what you would like for yourself this year. Are there ways to make reaching goals a routine (maybe you set aside an afternoon to connect with colleagues, or listen to podcasts while driving to work)? Are there routines that could make things easier in the classroom? Are there routines that will help with self-care and the separation of home and work? Taking advantage of our brain’s desire for predictability can be an excellent way to set yourself up for a great year.