Routine reset: Daily habits for good mental health

Thursday, 18 September, 2025

A consistent routine can improve your mental health and wellbeing and make everyday life easier.

Far from being rigid or boring, routines and regular daily habits can provide a sense of structure and stability that can ease stress and free up energy for the things that matter most.

Key benefits of routines include:

Stress management. Effective routines can help reduce stress, leading to improved mental health and reduced anxiety.
Better sleep. Maintaining consistent times for waking and going to bed can help you get better rest, leading to improved mental sharpness, better emotional wellbeing and more energy throughout the day.
A healthier diet. Taking the time to plan and schedule grocery shopping, meal prep and eating times can improve your diet and make you less reliant on unhealthy snacks or fast food.

Routines can also help reduce “decision fatigue” by removing some of the small, repeated choices that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Healthy routines are built on everyday habits. These do not need to be complex – small actions, repeated consistently, have the greatest impact. Examples include a short walk each morning, setting aside time for a balanced meal, or switching off screens before bed. Over time, these practices contribute to resilience, improved mood, and overall wellbeing.

Tips for building healthy habits

To establish healthy habits:

Start small. Focus on one area of your day, such as sleep or physical activity.
Be consistent. Try to carry out your chosen activity at the same time each day.
Link habits. Pair a new habit with an existing one, like stretching after brushing your teeth.
Track progress. Recording your routine can help maintain motivation.
Stay flexible. Life is unpredictable – the goal is regularity, not perfection.

By introducing positive routines and maintaining them over time, you can strengthen mental health, build resilience, and create a stronger foundation for overall wellbeing.

How Flourish Australia can help

Flourish Australia is community mental health service and registered NDIS provider that specialises in providing tailored peer-led support. This includes assistance with day-to-day living, employment, housing and more. To find out more about how we can help, contact us on 1300 779 270 or here.