A regular routine can be crucial for remaining organised and efficient. Adopting and adhering to regularity can underpin staying on top of tasks, prioritising goals and taking adequate self-care.
However, daily life can often be erratic and unpredictable, and closely following a routine can be problematic. There is no one-size fits all approach to life, but this article will evaluate some rudimentary steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle that can have a positive impact.
Make exercise a priority
Exercise is a vital component of a positive, active lifestyle that improves physical and mental health. It’s common in modern life to feel drained and tired, but regular exercise boosts your energy levels, improves your sleep quality, and can even help your focus and concentration.
Yes, implementing a hectic daily schedule can often be challenging, but even regular hikes in nature is great for the whole family. And with good weather finally upon, it’s a great time to implement some cardiovascular focus.
First, invest in adequate activewear. Without the correct clothing (in particular footwear), there is a risk of chronic injury. Thoroughly research the best activewear for your needs and utilise a tala discount code to minimise expense.
Then, set aside a specific period daily for physical activity to build habits for continuity. For beginners, begin small-scale and incrementally increase the intensity. This could be walking the school run, or an evening stroll before dinner. If you have to be home with the kids, try yoga.
How to get up early
An early rise can be challenging for many people, but its benefits are far-reaching, especially if you implement this as exercise time. It is possible to acclimatise your body to a routine by sleeping and waking up at fixed times by setting multiple alarms and adapting them to promote optimal levels of repose and activity.
As a parent, we don’t get a lot of alone time. If you work too, then it’s likely you have additional stress and pressures. Personally, I find clearing the to-do list before others get up makes daily life more manageable.
Begin the day with a positive attitude
In recent years, positive thinking has become widespread throughout society. However, many underestimate the power of optimism where an upbeat attitude can be invaluable to accomplishing your goals.
If you implement the top two suggestions and get up early to exercise, this will happen naturally ( I promise). If not, try beginning the day by reflecting on what you are grateful for and what makes you happy. This can boost your mood and motivate you to handle upcoming tasks, and you can utilise this time to implement daily goals to work towards.
And if you are struggling to be positive as the daily drudgery and cost of living is getting you down, then you need to give yourself a break. Parenting is a tough job and we all struggle, real life is not what you see on social media or the glamourous school mums in their fancy cars that often comes with hidden sacrifice.
As humans, we all have our limits and issues. So take pride in what really matters, those small achievements with the kids are bigger than you think. Spending quality time with the family is a free activity, you don’t have to do amazing things to make them smile. In later reflection, childhood is not remembered by trips to expensive locations, it’s the love and laughter.
Where possible, try not to stress about things you can’t control. and focus on the things you can.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Implementing a balanced diet is critical for overall health and well-being. It is vital to plan meals to ensure you obtain the correct balance of nutrients. I know its hard, but avoid processed food which make us sluggish. There are quick, convenient healthy foods too.
Begin by listing everything required for the week, this will assist with staying organised and ensuring you have all ingredients when it is time to cook. Prioritise fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
Drink lots of water to really make a difference in how you feel.
Tips for getting enough sleep
Sufficient sleep is critical for physical and mental wellness to remain alert, focused and creative throughout the day. In short, it enables us to process and compartmentalise our thoughts to relieve stress.
Establishing a regular sleep routine improves our circadian rhythm and underpins quality sleep; try to adhere to a regular bedtime and wake time, even on vacations.
Hard as it may be, avoid electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime; blue light can detrimentally interfere with circadian rhythms. Allow your mind to begin resting before sleep by reading a book or meditating.
Try to create a home environment conducive to sleep by maintaining adequate darkness, quiet where possible and a regulated temperature.
While it may seem difficult or impossible to some to add these to our daily routines, they are proven to make a difference. Yes, as a single parent time and energy may be limited, but you still have control over diet and approach.
