How to Create a Wellness Routine and Stick to It
Reset 2020 with an Attainable Wellness Routine
What even is “self-care”, anyways? The elusive “self-care” descriptor pops up all over social media, seemingly applying to everything from essential oil bubble baths and long walks on the beach, to sleeping in and eating pizza for breakfast! As it turns out, self-care is defined as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness.” Wait a minute, we kind of love that. The idea of taking an “active role” in your own wellness is a powerful one! So, buckle up, it’s time to take control of your physical and emotional health by creating a wellness routine and sticking to it!
What is a Wellness Routine?
The beauty of a wellness routine is it can look different for everyone! The best possible wellness routine is simply one that is attainable. If you are not a morning person and you hate cardio, don’t set yourself up for failure with a 5-mile run at 4:30am! The goal of a wellness routine is to harness the power of good habits. If you don’t set realistic goals, you’ll give up before you have a chance to form any habits at all. Remember, diligence is more powerful than motivation. When planning your routine, focus on the wellness trifecta: Food, movement and mental well-being. Identify what works for you in each category, and stick to it!
Get Enough Sleep
No surprises here, getting enough sleep is an essential part of your well-being!
Do your body a favor and learn the amount of sleep experts recommend for your age group. Sleep powers the mind, restores the body and fortifies nearly every system we have.
A good night’s rest can:
- Boost your immunity
- Prevent weight gain
- Increase exercise performance
- Improve mood
- Boost productivity
- And more!
If you have trouble dozing off, technology may be to blame. Set a curfew for your electronic devices. Unplug at least 30 minutes before bedtime to ease your mind from the outside world. If you have trouble putting down your smart phone, try using bedtime and sleep tracking apps. While some apps will play soothing white noise or read you a bedtime story, others are structured to penalize users who exit the app past bedtime. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can fall asleep when you remove the temptation to scroll!
Form a Morning Ritual
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, your morning mood can affect your entire workday! That’s why it is so important to take control of your morning and begin your day with confidence, peace and a positive attitude.
Just like the entire wellness routine, a morning ritual can look different for everybody! So, how do you create one just for you? Start by picking a realistic wake up time; one that gives you enough time before work begins for your ritual but isn’t so early that you’re tempted to hit the snooze button. Then, identify what morning activities will have the most positive impact on your day. This can range from practicing stillness through meditation, setting an intention for the day, fueling your body with protein and fiber, taking a walk around the block or knocking out a killer workout!
Whether your morning ritual takes 15 minutes or a full hour, find what works for you and practice consistency.
Schedule Time for Exercise
Movement is key to a healthy lifestyle! Find a fitness activity you genuinely enjoy and prioritize it. Remember, this is about your personal wellness, so don’t compare yourself to others! Whether weight training, walking the dog, bike riding or practicing yoga is your jam, there is no wrong way to get moving.
Here is the major key: Schedule a time in your day for exercise. You don’t have to exercise at the same time every day to build a routine, but you do need to plan and prioritize your workout as an important part of the day. Otherwise, your day will naturally fill up and you’ll conclude you have no time for fitness!
Fuel Your Body
Paired with physical activity, good nutrition is a major part of leading a healthy lifestyle! A balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, increase energy, boost immunity and promote your overall health. Simply put, food is fuel! Form a healthy relationship with food–your body and mind will thank you.
A balanced diet includes a mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Focus on these key nutrients at mealtimes to stay full and focused all day long.
Do yourself a favor and stock up on healthy snacks! Don’t think of snacking as an unhealthy habit. Snacks are actually an important part of any diet! The right snacks provide energy throughout the day and around workouts. A healthy snack can also decrease your hunger and keep you from overeating at mealtime.
Avoid the temptation of convenient, unhealthy snacking by having healthy snacks delivered right to your door! SmartBox Express offers a variety of all-natural snack delivery options, so you can save time on trips to the store and reading nutrition labels and get right to fueling your body with tasty treats!
Be Kind to Yourself
Most importantly, be kind to yourself! Forming a wellness routine should not be a source of negative self-talk or stress. Research has linked self-criticism with depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction and other forms of distress. If you “fall off the wagon” with your routine for a day or two, don’t consider yourself a failure or give up entirely! Practice compassion with yourself, adjust your routine if needed and get back at it. Remember, this is all about giving your mind and body the kindness and care they deserve!
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