How To Get Back Into Your Routine

If you read my article on Monday, you know I’m out of my routine. I thought for a while I was doing myself a favor by being loose with my schedule. Now, I see once again why I deserve my schedule. I deserve to sleep well. I deserve to eat well. I deserve to feel ready for my day. My schedule provides me with all of those things. It allows me to be the greatest version of myself. So here’s how I am getting back into my routine:

• Start Slow

We’re running a marathon here, not a sprint. We have to start slow. I started by going to bed an hour earlier and waking up an hour earlier. If I can’t sleep, I still wake up at a consistent time. This starts the cycle of my body fatiguing earlier in the day. This will eventually allow me to fall asleep at my earlier time.

• Use Help

I’m highlighting sleep because it’s what really throws me off. I take melatonin when I’m trying to get back on my schedule. Trying to reset to an old schedule can lead to a lot of restless nights for me. Without sleep I end up struggling both physically and mentally. I take melatonin to aid myself. This concept can also work with getting back to eating healthy though. If you have been snacking all day, don’t go back to a previous schedule cold turkey. You’ll end up feeling hungry and deprived of what you need. I suggest replacing your snacks with healthy alternatives. Slowly remove the amount of snacks from your day.

• Be Patient

Any time you’re readapting to a habit it’s going to take time. That’s okay and completely normal. Don’t get frustrated and give up. You’ve kept the healthy habit before, you can do it again. If you mess up, move forward. Don’t let anger, frustration, or indulging keep you from your ultimate goal. All you can do is look forward and do your best in this moment. Stay present.

• Keep Reminders

Right now, I’m sure you want to get back in your routine for a reason. Write down why you’re doing this. Put it on post it notes and hang them around your house. It’s easy to give in to a lack of normalcy when you’re constantly in the house. It’s important to remember why you need routine, how good you feel when you’re in a routine. You sleep better. Your body works more efficiently. You’re less bloated or feel energized. Write down anything and everything!

These are just a few pointers to help you get started. They’re general because I think they apply to most routines. I know that with the new year around the corner, we’re all trying to start fresh. That may mean letting go of the old or starting new habits altogether. Whatever it looks like for you, I hope you find these tips helpful for your journey.

I hope you’re having an amazing day. I hope it’s filled with joy, positivity, and laughter. I hope you find peace, love, and happiness.