I am probably the most inconsistent person when it comes to sticking to a routine.
I will admit that routines are life for our family. Setting and sticking to routines ensures that all of us start and end our days on a positive (decent) note.
But I also want my family and I to make the most of each day. With that being said, I have implemented the five actions below every day during this past year, and we are all winning. It is not all sunshine and roses. There are days that end in tears, wine, or going to sleep without taking my make up off. Yet for the most part, committing to trying my best each day with the below tips have helped me in a positive way.
Act of Gratitude
Whether it be prayer, being intentional, or manifesting your dreams, wake up on a positive note by writing down what you are grateful for every morning. I have been doing this in two steps:
1) I write 3-5 things I am grateful for. These can range from small to big. For example, I am grateful for that delicious cup of coffee or the heating in our home.
2) I will manifest my goals or dreams as they will happen. For this I usually write a goal or desire: a promotion I am aiming for or our dream home, etc.
Make the Bed
I learned this in bootcamp. We had to make our bed every single morning, no exceptions or excuses. I didn’t know it then but looking back now, it is such a foundational milestone completed that takes three minutes at most. I probably not do Admiral William H. McRaven justice, so if you are looking for inspiration, you can watch the incredible video here.
Get Moving
I make it a priority to move my body for at least 30 minutes, 6 days a week. My sweet spot is working out right after kid drop-off but before starting work. I have always been inconsistent with working out. In school, I played 3 sports; then I joined the Navy; then it was pretty much a free-for-all. When exercising was my decision, I didn’t take it seriously.
Fast forward to 2021. I have been intentional about ensuring I move my body most days. Everyone will be different. For me, I’ve realized that working out helps me reset myself and is a form of self-care for me. It helps me release any tension I may have. I’ve noticed an incredible difference in how I handle stress, parenting challenges, and life in general when I consistently move my body.
Make Your Food Matter
While I am not on a consistent diet, I do my best to eat clean. This doesn’t mean I don’t have the occasional binge on sweets or carbs (because I love all those things). It means I have them in moderation. I do believe that a healthy lifestyle – includes a physically fit body and consists of eating the right foods. I can work out as much as I want but if my food consumption doesn’t fuel that fat loss, it will not go anywhere. I also make sure I am hydrating everyday. One rule of thumb I like to keep is to drink half of my body weight in ounces of water every day. To keep me on track, I have a water bottle similar to this to keep me accountable.
Keep In Touch
I know the days get away from us so easily. We have school, work, cooking, cleaning…the list goes on. I have been terrible at keeping in touch with family and friends. I’ve found that I feel so much better when I do have the FaceTime with an aunt or best friend just to chat. The Mental Health Foundation reports that strong family and friendship ties can help you deal with the stresses of life. There are so many ways to keep in touch with those we care about, and I try to be more intentional about this.
