Creating new routines can be intimidating. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of creating a routine from scratch, you’re not alone! So let’s talk about tips and strategies to make it easy for you to create a new routine.
I’ll be an empty nester this year. It’s strange to think about! As I adjust to my new normal, I’ve been thinking about routines.
In the past, my routines have been based around the school year. You know what I mean–school schedules rule everything when you have kids! So you develop ‘school-year routines’ and ‘summer break routines,’ but they all fundamentally revolve around your kids.
But now that my kiddo is off to college, I’ll have a completely blank slate to work from. I’ll be starting from scratch! It’s a daunting task, so I wanted to share how I am approaching it, as well as a few tips to help you as you create your own routines. Whether you are starting completely from scratch or just looking for extra guidance as the kids head back to school, let’s talk about how you can create a new routine that fits your busy life!
Start with a Solid Foundation
When you’re creating a routine, the most important part is your foundation. Creating a new routine will be so much easier for me because I already have a solid foundation in place.
My foundation starts with getting up early enough to have time for a workout each morning before all of the other demands of the day begin. It’s great for my physical health, and–even more critically–it’s great for my mental health. Research shows that exercise can improve sleep, decrease stress, and improve your mood. Exercise can also improve focus and energy, meaning that a morning workout acts as a boost at the beginning of your day. In my experience, starting the day with a workout helps my mood and attitude shift toward the positive. It helps ensure that I get my day started on the right foot! Without it, I tend to meander, and then time has passed without me even noticing.
So figure out what that foundation looks like for you–the things that will help you start and end each day on a good note.
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Set Your Priorities
It’s tempting to try to fit every idea into your new routine. But before you start scheduling in the extras, plan for the things that matter most! For instance, maybe you’re thinking about how much you want to start gardening. That’s a great hobby! But before you add that to your routine, make sure that you have time to make meals, clean your house, and get a good night’s sleep. Remember that you can always start with the priorities and build the extras into your routine later. Also, remember that you can outsource some of the stuff that you don’t enjoy. Just because you have the time to clean your house, doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself.
Track Your Progress & Readjust
You won’t get it all perfectly on the first day. And that’s okay! A new routine takes time. Try tracking your progress throughout the week. It will help you figure out which pieces of your new routine aren’t quite clicking.
If you decide that one part of your routine isn’t working, adjust! You don’t have to start from scratch, just tweak things. Move things around, give yourself a longer period for certain parts of your routine, or cut back to the foundation until you are ready to start adding things in again. Don’t be afraid to pull back and try something new.
And most importantly…
Give Yourself Space and Grace
None of us are perfect, and it’s important to be kind to yourself. There will always be days when you don’t follow your routine. Life will get busy. Some days you just won’t feel up to your normal exercise routine. Let go of your desire for perfection and find peace in the imperfection of everyday life!
Find a way to make 1% improvement each day and you’ll be on the road to better health.Want to incorporate the PFC lifestyle into your new routine? Learn about the current programs I offer and get guidance in your PFC journey here!
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
