Healthy RGV Issue 107 - October Has Us Thinking Pink

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · OCTOBER 2017
03
SET A TIME TO BEGIN YOUR ROUTINE.
To figure out what time you should begin your routine,
first determine approximately how long it will take you to
go through your routine. It could be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour
or even more - it's up to you. Then, work backwards from your goal to
determine a start time.
For instance, if you need to leave for work by 8:30 a.m., your routine
will take 30 minutes and you need an hour to get ready, then you need
to make sure you start your routine by 7 a.m. Or if you want to be
asleep by 10 p.m. and your routine takes 45 minutes, then make sure you
actually begin by 9 or 9:15 p.m.
This may sound slightly arduous in the beginning, but it will quickly
become natural as it becomes... routine.
04
LEAN INTO IT AND CUT OUT ALL DISTRACTIONS.
The point of a routine is to give your body a path to follow
toward a goal - be that a productive day or a good night's
rest. So you want to make sure that you actually stick to that routine
and not veer off the path.
That means no checking your Facebook feed while you're in the bathtub
or watching Netflix while you're stretching. Actually BE in the moment
and be present in the activity itself, giving it your full attention.
Chances are, you'll probably be multi-tasking all day at work, so give
your brain and your body a chance to focus on one thing - fully and
completely.
05
START SLOW AND WORK YOUR WAY UP.
For some of you, the idea of following a routine every day
probably seems daunting. So if that's the case, don't throw
the baby out with the bathwater and do nothing at all. Start slow, maybe
just 1 or 2 days a week and then build your way up. Most likely, you will
be feeling so good after just a week or two, that you will find yourself
wanting to make it an everyday thing!
BONUS STEP: ENJOY IT!
Remember, the point of all this is to help you feel even better on a daily
basis. So don't look at it as another thing to "get done" or something to
stress you out. It should be the exact opposite.
Your routine should be a special treat... some "me" time just for you.
Whether it's at the beginning of the day before the craziness takes over,
or at the end of the day to help you wind down for sleep.
And don't forget to change it up! If you get bored with something after
awhile, by all means... swap it out for something new! If you've always
gone for a run each morning but you've been curious about yoga, why
not switch it out for a few weeks? Or if smoothies are getting old, try
something new like warm lemon water which is very beneficial to drink
first thing in the morning!
Before you know it, your routine will be your favorite part of the day and
you'll be counting down the hours until you can do it again!
By Jenn Baxter
31 HEALTHY MAGAZINE