Maintaining Routines With a Busy Schedule

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Many of us depend on habits and routines to help us fit in our healthy habits.  Whether it is prepping your favorite recipes on Sundays or a 10-minute stretch before bed, small routines are a common way to stay healthy.  These little habits add up and help our health and fitness a lot.  So how do we maintain our health through schedule changes?

  • Identify Your Motivation Determine what deeply moves you to want to continue your healthy habit.  Tapping these deep desires, feelings and values are more meaningful than just "because I should" thinking.
  • Quick Fix Determine an abbreviated version of your favorite routines, something you can fit in no matter what.  For instance, if you normally enjoy an hour of yoga daily, find a 15-minute fix.  This will help you fit it in for when life gets crazy.
  • Make a List Although many things add up to a healthy life, make a list of your non-negotiable favorites that help you feel your best.  Note the ideal frequency, and whether you want to do them every day, or weekly. Be realistic about what you can fit in on really busy days!
  • Plan Ahead Thinking ahead can solve a lot of problems.  For instance, if you look at your week and have a lot of very busy days, it might be difficult to fit in a daily workout.  Looking ahead on your calendar gives you an opportunity to choose whether you want to wake up earlier, fit it in at lunch or similar.
  • Practice Self-Compassion Sometimes life happens, and your favorite healthy habits just don't happen.  Beating yourself up for this is the opposite of wellness!  Instead see if there is anything you can learn for next time, and practice self-compassion.

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