We all know how hard it can be to stick to a healthy routine. Here are some tips to help set your life up for success in the long term.
It’s happened to us all. You go to bed and set your alarm for 5:00, determined to get up in time to do yoga, shower, and have breakfast before work. You’ll eat a healthy, pre-packed lunch and visit the gym on your way home.
Then, you hit snooze too many times and rush out the door, leaving your packed lunch and gym clothes behind. You grab fast food for lunch and decide you’ll head home to change before going to the gym, only to fall asleep on the couch. So much for a healthy routine!
Tired of having the best intentions, only to miss the mark again and again? Read on to learn how to develop a healthy daily routine you’ll stick with for the long haul.
Start the Morning Right
Every healthy morning routine has a mix of negotiable and non-negotiable items. The non-negotiables, like taking your prescription medicines (learn more about that here) and getting dressed for work, are easy enough to make time for even if you’re running late. It’s the “non-essentials” that you might struggle to make time for.
Instead of trying to add in a bundle of changes at once, start small. Begin by setting your alarm fifteen minutes earlier to allow time for stretching. Once that feels normal, you can set it earlier bit by bit to include your other desired activities.
The Middle of Your Day
Many of us don’t have a lot of control over our lives during business hours. If we aren’t at work, we’re at school, taking care of kids, or managing other responsibilities.
Even so, we can still make small, healthy changes that have a large result. Try drinking one more cup of water each day until you reach the recommended amount, make an effort to stand up from your desk once per hour, or spend your lunch break walking. Downloading a fun habit tracker app on your phone makes it easy to see these changes add up over time, and it can even motivate you to keep going.
Winding Down at Night
Following a healthy night routine is crucial because it sets you up for success in the day ahead. Use your evening to prep your lunch, gather the belongings you’ll need in the morning, and quickly tidy up your space.
Also, don’t make the mistake of falling asleep in front of the TV. Plan time to wind down, relax, and set your intentions for tomorrow. This may include meditating, doing a skincare ritual, or reading a book in low light.
Whatever your nighttime routine includes, try to keep electronics out of it for at least an hour before you go to bed to promote deeper sleep.
A Healthy Routine Is All About Balance
The tips on this list are a great starting-off point to help you develop a healthy routine of your own. Remember, though, that the best daily routine for a healthy life is the one you can keep up with. Take small steps, incorporating one change at a time, and soon you’ll find that you’re living a totally new lifestyle.
Want more ways to make your wellness a priority? Keep reading our site for other helpful content like this.
