When Routines Break: The Health Implications of Disrupted Daily Life

Disruptions to daily routines, such as those caused by holidays or the COVID-19 pandemic, have been linked to unhealthy changes in physical activity, sleep, and diet. The Structured Days Hypothesis (in children) and the Social Zeitgeber Model (in adults) provide theoretical frameworks that explain how routines influence lifestyle behaviors. Together, these models highlight daily routines as a modifiable behavioral risk factor that can promote healthier lifestyles. Integrating routine-building strategies into clinical practice, especially during times when routines are most vulnerable to disruption, represents a low-cost and scalable approach to health promotion. This article outlines practical strategies that health care providers can use to help patients establish and sustain daily routines.