Building Stability Through Consistent Routines

From the time we are infants, we have craved a stable relationship. As we grow older, that stability we need from our caregivers’ changes to provide stability to others. For example, being a reliable employee or taking care of a child. We use routines and organization to stay on top of tasks to become a reliable human being. This is why I believe having a balanced and regular routine creates physical and emotional stability.

    Stability creates a level of comfort. While being a nursing major, I understand the need to be reliable and stable in multiple ways. In my nursing classes, I learned the physical need to care for and to be cared for in every relationship in your life. In my Psychology 420: Survey of Developmental Psych course, I learned about the emotional need for stability and routines, specifically the concept of contact comfort. This concept is from the psychologist Harry Harlow and refers to the sense of physical and emotional security and well-being that an infant or young animal experiences when it is in close physical contact with a caregiver or attachment figure. (See Figure A). This concept is an example of how humans are born into the state of needing to be in a reliable relationship.

    As we age, these relationships begin to grow and change. As infants, they are on a strict sleeping and feeding routine. This then changes into a bedtime routine and school routine, and then eventually a work routine. From the time we can speak, we are in a routine. Routines also create a sense of accomplishment. Within your body, when you feel a sense of accomplishment, dopamine gets released. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone. It is a neurotransmitter that's an important part of your brain's reward system, promoting feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. (See Figure B). A release of dopamine should mentally help you continue your daily tasks in your daily routine. An example of a positive routine would be making your bed up every morning. Making your bed daily can contribute to greater stability by fostering a sense of routine, structure, and accomplishment. Which can potentially lead to a more calm and organized day. This is just as good as eating a well-balanced breakfast to start your day.

    Working any type of job requires routine and stability. At my job at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, I work in the Dean’s Office. My position is at the Switchboard where I answer phones, send off and receive mail, and run errands for the Dean. Working on campus requires me to be organized and reliable. When I clock in, in the mornings, I turn on the computer system and log onto the phone app where I transfer calls and turn off the phone from voicemail. While the system is rebooting, I make sure both printers have paper, and I make sure the postage machine has sealing fluid. After I turn on the computer and phone system, I will turn on the office lights and open all the office doors. Then, at the end of my day, I make sure all the lights are off, doors are closed, the phone is back on voicemail and turn off the computer system. (See Figure C). This clocking in and closing routine helps me to make sure I have completed all the important tasks. Which also helps to not forget any little details that I might have forgotten otherwise.

    While routines help you to be organized, they also allow you to be comfortable at your job. They also help you to know what is required of you. For example, my supervisor is relying on me to have the computer system logged on and phone off voicemail to be doing my required job. That is also what I am confident and comfortable doing. I know the ins and outs of the postage machine and how to complete the tasks that are required of me. Having a daily routine at the Switchboard has helped me to become a more confident and stable worker to my supervisor.

    In conclusion, I believe routines create stability through organization. Having a sense of confidence in your work environment allows for an improved performance. Having a routine creates this sense of stability and confidence everyone stives to have in their everyday lives.