With a new season around the corner, it is the perfect time to force yourself to finally get into the new routine that you have been putting off. During the summer months, it can be extremely difficult to stick to a routine when it comes to your health. The summer is filled with day trips, vacations, boating days, waterfront dining, and so much to do! The Fall is the perfect time to get back into the swing of things, as it is back to school season. If you are finally ready to kickstart your healthy routine but you are not sure where to start, we have got you covered!
Check out some tips on how you can start a new healthy routine, and most importantly, stick to it for a long duration of time:
Know your goals.
First, know what your goals are. What do you want from your new routine? Are you looking to make sure that you start to exercise or attend workout classes more often? Or are you looking to focus more so on your diet and healthy eating? No matter what your goal is, make sure that it is laid out clearly so that you know what you are working towards.
Set small goals.
This is extremely crucial – start small! A routine is something that will likely stick after 30 days of sticking to it, so it is important that you do not put too much pressure on yourself and start small. For example, if your goal is to start working out more, perhaps you start off with a 30-minute walk each day, and gradually work yourself up from there.
Layout your plan.
Once you know what you are looking to get out of your routine, it is time to lay out your plan. If you have a game plan set up, it will be easier for you to stick to each activity throughout the day. For some people, this means being more productive in the morning first thing when they wake up, whereas some people are more productive after they finish work. This will totally depend on your own personal preference!
Be consistent and stay flexible.
Consistency is key in any routine. There will be days where it will be easy to stick to your routine, and some days where you feel like everything is a mess – and that is OK! Remember that life happens and if you fall off the wagon briefly, just do not forget to get back up on it! The key to consistency is being able to go with the flow and stay flexible no matter what roadblocks come in your way.
Make it fun.
Routines do not have to be boring, and they should not be! Romanticize your daily routine and make it fun – this will help to motivate you each day to keep going. Enjoy every moment of your routine and remember to feel grateful that you are able to do what you are doing, even if they are small!
Track progress.
When you really get into the swing of things, it can make it hard to actually see how much progress you have made. Track your progress each day so that over time you are able to look at how far you have come. Whether this is tracking weight loss, muscle growth, or your daily workouts in general, make sure to either write them down, use a tracking app on your smartphone, or utilize your smartwatch!
Reward yourself.
Lastly, make sure to recognize all the hard work that you are putting in for yourself, and reward yourself every once in a while! You can reward yourself with anything that makes you happy – whether that is a cup of your favorite ice cream, a fun day out with friends, or some good old R&R!