6 Easy Steps to Create a Healthy Routine
© Marion Michele
Switching to a healthy routine starting from a life that’s full of unhealthy habits is one of the most daunting challenges that you will have to overcome. It takes patience, courage, determination, and most importantly, a goal. You need to start by wanting to become a healthier person from all points of view, not just regarding what you’re eating. If you want to become the best version of yourself, it’s all about establishing a healthy daily routine.
1. Do something for Yourself!
The last time you did something for yourself was probably a long time ago. Most people don’t do something for themselves, not because they don’t want to be selfish, but because they don’t have the time. This happens mostly to young people who are too busy living their lives or working to achieve a goal which is professional most of the times. So, as part of your changing routine, try finding a moment in the day or the week to spend some quality time with yourself.
Remember! Being healthy and taking a break from time to time is not a selfish act!
You can always relax, put on some chill music, and just breathe. You can also practice yoga, make a home-spa, cook something nice for yourself, or go for a hike. The possibilities are endless as long as you are just with yourself. Find the time to also love and care for your person while still loving and caring for other people.
2. Eat Healthier Foods!
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for American People recommend that adults eat at least two and a half cups of vegetables and fruits daily. Unfortunately, not enough Americans follow these guidelines. Some don’t eat veggies and fruits at all.
Try to eat healthier foods, cut your added sugar intake, and avoid processed foods. You may be in love with fast food, but there are alternatives, like these incredibly healthy vegan recipes that, we promise, won’t kill your deep passion for good food.
Experts agree that we should change our diet in our 20s, so it can become a habit later in life. However, this doesn’t mean that if you’re older you cannot make the switch. You can start eating healthy as you age as well. So, while you take some time for yourself, you can also try cooking some vitamin-packed soups, salads, or anything else that you like and is also good for you. For desserts, try to use only the fruits’ natural sweetness to cut back on added sugar. You will definitely feel a lot better.
3. Stop Hoarding Your Vacation Days!
You can use this free time to better take care of yourself.
People nowadays have very busy lives and schedules, so taking a few days off might not be as easy as it sounds because work gets put on hold and it can be difficult to resume everything afterward. However, instead of hoarding all those paid days off you should get one or two vacation days more frequently and truly enjoy them. It’s normal for employees to work a lot to have a better life and some comfort, but after a while, it can get incredibly stressful and bad for your health.
Go for short city-breaks instead of long vacations; or simply stay at home. Most people don’t see it as such, but even one day off that you use for relaxation can completely refresh you and be an important part of a healthy routine. So, if you want to begin changing your normal routine to have a healthier one, you can begin by taking more time off from your job.
4. Move a Little!
You may not always feel like working out or jogging in the park, especially after a long day at work, but the trick is to establish a fitness routine whenever you have more free time to follow it. This way, when you’ll be busier, you’ll push yourself to move because you know how good it makes you feel. If you’ve never had a fitness routine before, start slow and gradually increase the difficulty level.
Also, bear in mind that for some people, the need to work out doesn’t come naturally. If you’re one of them, you should join a fitness class to be surrounded by people while working out. They will motivate you to work harder despite all the obstacles. You can also adapt your routine and persuade your friends to join you on this health journey! They’ll certainly thank you later!
5. Have a Healthier Nighttime Routine
Adapting your nighttime routine to a healthier one is crucial for a more balanced lifestyle.
Most people talk about healthy morning routines since they are beneficial because they give you a boost to last all day. However, a healthy nighttime routine and good sleep are also crucial for the following day. The trick here is to always do the things that relax you, like establishing a skincare and pampering routine, drinking some tea, or reading a book.
The best idea for a perfect nighttime sleep is to avoid all screens before going to bed because they agitate you and can sabotage your sleep. That’s the recipe for a disastrous next day, full of stressful situations, and impossible tasks that are usually only in your mind.
6. Be Thankful More Often
Last but not least, in order to become a healthier person overall and not just from a physical point of view, learn to be thankful more often. Be thankful for what you have at any moment of the day, week, month or year. Thank your family and tell them that you love them more often. Thank your friends for always being by your side and for making you better every day. You should always thank yourself for being who you are and for doing what you’re doing. At the end of the day, change comes from within no matter how much we like to lie to ourselves.
Conclusion
It’s about taking baby steps toward the person that you want to become in a few years.
All in all, it appears that adapting your normal routine to a healthy one is easier than most people think, and that’s because they haven’t even started. It’s your diet that needs to be healthier, your physical endurance that needs to be improved, your soul that needs food, and your mind that needs rest.
Hopefully, these six steps will help you achieve your desired goals so that, a few years from now, when you look back at your old self, you will feel thankful because it was worth it.