We are creatures of habit. Routines suit us and keep us sane. If you are feeling off, maybe try a schedule to see if it helps. What do I mean by schedule, exactly?
Consistently waking up at a certain time every morning.
Making time for daily exercise.
Planning and cooking healthy meals.
Regularly attending a support group or socializing with sober peers, online or in person.
Taking time for self-care.
Establishing a chore schedule to keep your living space clean and organized.
Practicing a personal hygiene routine.
Going to school or work.
Volunteering.
Developing a predictable childcare routine (if applicable).
Keeping a daily journal.
Learning new skills.
Setting each of these things in motion isn’t always easy, but eventually, these things will become habits. Prioritizing each of these things will support a lifestyle of physical and mental health.
There are many benefits to having a daily routine.
Gives you a purpose.
Reduces the anxiety you feel due to unexpected events. This is because you take the time to develop structure in your life that prepares you for the unexpected.
As you learn to prioritize your health and emotional well-being, you’ll also learn to value and accept yourself.
According to a Harvard Medical study, a routine that involves daily exercise can help reduce cognitive impairment, anxiety, and stress while improving memory, mood, and sleep..
Here are a few simple ways you can get started.
1. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, nutritional deficiencies (especially that of some amino acids) can play a role in the onset, severity, and duration of depressive symptoms. Other studies have shown that when supplements containing amino acids and other essential nutrients, symptoms of depression decreased.
2. Regular exercise such as walking, running, strength training or stretching can increase endorphins and improve overall well-being by reducing cravings, relieving stress, improving confidence and body image, and increasing energy. Note: If you haven’t had a regular exercise routine in the past, it can be helpful to find a workout buddy. This may help keep you motivated to stick to your fitness goals.
3. Sleep deficiency can contribute to several chronic health problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, depression, stroke and diabetes. One way to make sure you’re getting enough sleep is to set a regular bedtime and stick to it. If you have trouble getting into bed on time, try setting an alarm on your phone. If you typically shower before bed, make sure the alarm leaves you with plenty of time for you to shower, brush your teeth and get into bed by your desired bedtime.
4. To-do lists are a great tool to manage daily tasks and reduce overall stress. Every night before bed, try making a list of the things you need to do the next day.
5. Try out a new hobby or learn a new skill. It’s important to have fun to reduce boredom and build your social circle.
Developing a structured routine will help you better manage your time and plan for healthy choices. Even when you can’t plan for things, you’ll set yourself up to better handle changes and adjust as necessary.
If you’re having trouble establishing a daily routine for yourself, reach out. I can help.
