Jumping back into a routine in 4 easy steps
Schools are back, summer holidays are over and autumn is on the way, which means we have had a whole week to try and get back into some sort of routine, and unsurprisingly, some of us are struggling! Whether you took a few days off or a few weeks during the summer break, it is always hard to get back into your routine once you land back in reality. And, we are not only talking about getting back to real life after a trip, how about your fitness routine? Or your wellness one? Here are four ways to ease yourself back into your daily schedule, or begin a new one!
1. Have a plan
Hitting the ground running is easier if you have planned a schedule ahead of time. Whether it is a morning run, a healthy lunch or taking 10 minutes for a meditation session, planning ahead can help you achieve your new goal and make it part of a routine.
Try adding your new activities or desired ones into your phone’s calendar or personal diary so you are reminded of them, and work around what is the most likely time you will achieve this.
Planning ahead will help you set yourself up for success too, so if you are hoping to start hitting the gym more frequently for example, make sure your gym kit is packed the day before and ready to go with you.
2. Be kind to yourself
It is very easy to get frustrated if you find it a bit hard to stick to your new routine, but try to go easy on yourself. Your body and your mind are adapting to a new, or forgotten, routine and as much as you might want to go straight in, in reality it can take a little while to get used to.
You know your body best, and your mind, so if you need a softer approach to ease yourself into a routine, go for it! If you prefer a more direct approach, that works too! Do what is best for you, which leads to:
3. See what works and what doesnt
We are all different and work in different ways, so instead of copying someone else’s daily activities, see what works best for you. Maybe you are not a morning person and would rather take up a new goal in the evenings, or maybe you know your lunch is what powers you through the day, so focus on building on your positives!
4. Stick with it
Yes, it is very easy to set a plan and expect to be rigorous about it, but the moment you start the change can hit you hard. The first week especially tends to be the hardest, after all you are trying to instill new habits that might break with your previous routine, e.g. waking up earlier, trying to eat more healthily, even trying to fit in a quick stretch here and there. Whilst it might be demotivating to feel you are struggling, just try to stick with it for the first week and you will see how things gradually get easier.
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