Summer tends to throw our daily routines out of whack. The kids are home, and there are no school or school activities to get to. Now that school is back in session, it can be a struggle to get back to your daily habits. Did you know having a routine is good for your health and well-being? Try these tips to design a personalized routine (and bring some sanity back into your life!).
Simple Steps Make a Huge Impact
First, start small, one habit at a time. Don’t try to change everything at once. Add healthy eating habits, then when they stick, add exercise, then a regular sleep schedule, and so on. Make a plan for each and schedule them out. Writing them down or setting reminders on your phone can help hold you accountable for your tasks.
You can also add habits to the ones you already have or make swaps, like having veggies and hummus in the afternoon instead of a sugary snack. Reward yourself for sticking to your new routine! But don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Just get back on track and keep going. An essential part of a routine is also time for things you enjoy — like reading, walking, taking a long bath, or just relaxing.
Make sure you structure your day using specific times. For example, wake up at 6 AM, have breakfast at 6:30 AM, leave at 7 AM, and drop off the kids at 7:15 AM. When you assign times to your day, your routine is predictable, and you know what is coming next. However, we all know there needs to be room for margin and flexibility — who knows when a doctor’s appointment or life in general will switch things up?
Healthy Habits to Add
Eating healthier is a great habit that will make you feel better and start on a path to a healthier lifestyle. One easy way is to change how you fill your plate. Pile up at least half with veggies, then add protein to a quarter and fiber-rich starches to the other.
Since it’s been scorching this summer, consider adding sun time in the fall. Sunshine helps you build vitamin D, which helps keep you from getting sick. Combine this with a new exercise routine by walking, biking, or even resistance training outside.
A Lack of Routine
Not having a daily routine can lead to sleep and eating problems and couch potato syndrome. Why? Well, because not having routine means not going to sleep at the same time, not exercising daily, and not structuring what you eat and when. According to mental health experts, that has a negative impact on your emotional and mental well-being. Irregular eating, exercise, and sleep increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and sleep apnea. Routine balances your life and helps you feel peaceful.
Add a new home in Lariat in Liberty Hill to your list, and you’ll have the perfect place to create your new routine. Not only can you find a living space to suit your routine, but you can also take advantage of our resident-exclusive amenities for your daily habits. Learn more about our master-planned community here!