Strength in Structure: Why I’m an Acolyte for Routine

I find comfort in structure—something that grounds me, irrespective of what is going on in my life. I remember a particularly intense period of work a few years back. In this project, I had no control over the timing and nature of the daily work, so I found myself working at all hours of the day, often very late into the night. At a time when I often felt unmoored, the one constant in my life that I was able to control was my morning lift before the workday started. Having a period of time wholly to myself and at the same time every day gave me an anchor to grab on to in a stressful stretch and at the very least provided comfort in knowing exactly what I would be doing for 60 minutes each day. This experience taught me how essential routine is not just for productivity or fitness, but for mental clarity and resilience.

Over time, I’ve come to view routine as more than just a set of daily tasks. It’s a framework supporting my goals and values, one that helps me navigate each day with intention. My routines, from the structure of my workouts to the timing and makeup of my meals, are reflections of my commitment to growth, strength, and purpose. 

The Philosophy Behind Routine

Routine matters because it allows us to cut through life’s various distractions and focus on what truly counts. By creating a structure, we minimize unnecessary decisions and free up mental space for what’s actually important to us. This notion aligns perfectly with stoic philosophy, a core tenet of which is the belief that our external circumstances are less significant than how we choose to respond to them. A well-established routine creates stability, even when life is unpredictable.

For me, routine is a commitment to my values—resilience, discipline, and self-improvement. Each day’s structure is a reminder of those values and an affirmation that I’m choosing to live intentionally. When I commit to routines, I’m reinforcing those values in a tangible way. And crafting a routine doesn’t have to mean sacrificing spontaneity or flexibility. It should serve as a roadmap or North Star to ground us; it’s more guidance counselor than principal, more crossing guard than traffic cop, more a la carte than prix fixe. 

Building My Routine

My day starts with a morning routine that’s designed to set a positive, focused tone. I wake up at 5am.

*Before we go on, let me make clear that I am not any better than anyone because of the time I wake up. I also go to bed early, so relax before you say anything. I don’t have an early-riser superiority complex like those biohacking productivity influencer gurus that humble brag about waking up at dawn and spend their extra two morning hours journaling about their hustle grindset.

After sneaking out of bed so my dog doesn't get the misguided impression that he’s going on a pre-sunset walk, I do 30 minutes of low intensity cardio while watching a show (usually anime) or reading. Post-cardio, I meet up with my workout partner and we question our existence and mental state for walking through the bleak and frigid streets of FiDi before the sun is up, and get a lift in before the work day. Mornings are the favorite part of my day solely because of my routine. It gives me a sense of accomplishment early on and creates momentum to carry me forward for the rest of the day.

Evenings are just as structured. Taking my dogs on a walk allows me to physically decompress from the busyness of the day and watching low quality TV while having dinner lets me do the same with my mind. After dinner, I make sure to take inventory of tasks I know need to get done the following day so I don’t have to spend mental energy scrambling to do so later on. I’ve found that winding down with intention helps me rest and reflect, keeping me balanced and ready for the next day.

Then there’s my fitness routine, which is foundational. I follow a specific training plan I’ve prepared that’s tailored to my current goals and I log weight and reps performed for each exercise in a spreadsheet on my phone. There’s something incredibly grounding about the process of tracking my progress, feeling physical changes, and knowing each session is a step forward, even if only a small one.

How Routine Supports Mental Wellness

Routines aren’t just about productivity; they create mental space and clarity. When I know what to expect in my day, there’s a sense of calm and comfort in this rhythm. The predictability of routine is a counterbalance to life’s uncertainties.

Research has shown that clutter in our environment doesn’t just create physical mess; it also drains mental energy as our brains work to block out these distractions. Each item out of place competes for attention and manufactures a low-level stress that can undermine our focus and productivity. Establishing a daily routine can help declutter our mind. Just as a tidy space reduces visual stress and improves concentration, regular mental decluttering through whatever routine grounds you—like journaling, mindful reflection, cleaning, or organizing daily tasks—can reduce cognitive overload, enhancing both clarity and mental resilience. By consistently making space for these habits, we ease the mental load and allow ourselves to focus on what matters and perform at our best.

Routine also allows for moments of reflection. Simple but consistent activities, like taking walks with my dogs around Tribeca, are my time to process thoughts, gather inspiration, and find gratitude in the small pleasures like seeing a child in the neighborhood finally get the hang of riding a bike, or noticing the leaves turning during fall, or even getting lucky enough to see Manhattanhenge (and maybe obnoxiously post about it on Instagram).

Balancing Flexibility with Discipline

Of course, no routine should be too rigid. Flexibility is necessary for sustainability, and I’ve learned the importance of adapting when needed. Whenever I travel, I try to create a more slimmed down version of my routine. This often involves waking up relatively close to when I normally do, getting a workout or movement in with whatever I have at my disposal (whether full-service local fitness club or hotel gym or maybe just a walkable sidewalk), and taking stock of what I need to get done. This adaptability keeps my routine fresh and prevents burnout.

The goal is not perfection but consistency. I’ve come to appreciate that there will be days when things don’t go according to plan—and that’s perfectly fine. Having a routine to fall back on means I can be disciplined yet also responsive to life’s changes.

The Benefits I’ve Seen from Routine

Physically, the consistency of my routines has driven steady progress. My workouts, nutrition, and sleep patterns are all guided by my routines, helping me achieve my goals in fitness and overall health.

Beyond the superficial benefits, routine has sharpened my focus and improved my productivity. In sticking to a structure, I find myself more present and less distracted. Each part of my day has a purpose, driving me to perform at my best.

Emotionally, routine has given me a foundation to handle challenges with greater resilience. In times of uncertainty or stress, I lean on my routine as a source of stability, knowing it provides a dependable rhythm to fall back on.

Wrapping Up

My routine isn’t simply a collection of daily habits; it’s the backbone of my approach to life. Structure keeps me grounded and allows me to face each day with strength, clarity, and intention.

To anyone reading this, I’d encourage you to consider the routines in your life. Whether a morning ritual, a fitness schedule, or a few intentional moments each day, having a structure aligning with your values can be incredibly powerful. I view my own routine as a representation of a choice to live with purpose—one I’m grateful to make every day.

To strength of body, clarity of mind. 

S

Balto understands the importance of exercise (and squirrel chasing) in his daily routine