Is following familiar habits and patterns the result of our need for equilibrium?

Yes. People are describe as "creatures of habit". Most students sit in essentially in the same seat in class. We also fall into familiar patterns of interaction when out with friends. As such, teachers are urged to establish classroom routines as early as possible in the school year (Emmer & Evertson, 2013; Evertson & Emmer, 2013). Doing so helps establish equilibrium by making their school experiences predictable.