REVITALISE YOUR ROUTINE FOR 2024
With the advent of the new year, it can be tough to reestablish a routine. We often make a strong start and then as the holidays come to an end and get back into our daily lives, our good intentions sometimes drop off. So you can thrive as we move through 2024, here are some tips to help reestablish a routine to support your healthiest self:
Set Realistic Goals: Whether it's committing to a morning walk each day or dedicating time for a home workout, start small and gradually build momentum. The suggestion is to commit to no more than 3 goals at once, when these are fully embedded you can add more to the list. Write these goals down and put them somewhere you can see them each day, this helps your commitment and keeps them front of mind.
Create a Daily Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for work, exercise, meals, and relaxation. Having a routine brings a sense of order and helps manage time effectively. It can help to look ahead to your calendar each Sunday evening and plan your week ahead. Adding in your priorities in first and booking the remainder of your week around that ensures you are meeting your goals.
Prioritise Sleep: Establish a bedtime routine including removing your phone from the bedroom and not looking at it for the first 8 minutes of the day when you wake. Once you rise, getting outdoors within 30 minutes to get the sunshine in your eyes helps to reset your circadian rhythm and prepare your body for sleep again that evening.
Develop a mindfulness or breathwork practice: Mindfulness and meditation have a myriad of benefits including improved mental health, reduced anxiety and increased creativity. Try and lower the bar on expectations of meditation. Perhaps try a 5min guided meditation on Spotify. If you arrive early to an appointment, set a timer for however long you have and do one of these: notice your breath is cool as you breathe in and warm as you exhale, or simply inhale for 4 and exhale for 6.
Use Technology Mindfully: Online fitness platforms like Grit.Pilates Online offer flexible workout options. Utilise tools like calendars and reminders to stay organised. Be mindful when engaging with social media apps, they can teach our brain to look for distraction during the day. Perhaps set aside a specific timeslot for your social media.
Plan and Prep: Plan your meals for the week ahead and consider prepping ingredients in advance. Having healthy, readily available options reduces the likelihood of reaching for less nutritious alternatives. Some easy favourites are protein yoghurts, nuts and meatballs to have on hand when hunger strikes.
Stay Connected: Reconnect with social circles, whether in person or virtually. A supportive network provides encouragement and can make the transition into routine more enjoyable.