We are all creatures of habit. The extent of our habits may vary, but we enjoy and benefit from a sense of routine. For instance, we all have our own routines we follow, even if they are only a small part of our day, like a morning, evening, or skincare routine.
The new year is the perfect time to implement a new wellness routine, no matter how big or small, into your daily life. At Vivage, offering long-term care in communities throughout Colorado, Missouri, and Wyoming, we see firsthand how impactful structure and routine can be for individuals.
Our team is sharing the benefits of this as well as tips for creating and sticking to a routine that can enhance your overall wellness.
For many of us, the unknown is a trigger for stress and anxiety. Following a routine and planning out each day enables you to worry less about what is to come, be more present in the moment, and create an extra sense of safety and stability.
When you have an established daily routine, you take the guessing out of what each day will bring. Even though you cannot fully plan for everything that will happen, you know what tasks you want to accomplish and have a general idea of what to expect.
Another wellness benefit of following a routine is that you may form healthier eating habits. In today’s world, many of us are focused more on convenience over proper nutrition. Northwestern Medicine states, “unhealthy diets (like eating lots of fast food) become the norm if there isn’t time scheduled for grocery shopping. Quick, unhealthy substitutes become the next best food option.” However, these other options lack the nutrition we need to fuel our bodies and can lead to other health issues down the road.
Creating and sticking to a routine allows you to carve out designated mealtimes in your schedule. Additionally, this structure can help you pre-plan healthy meals and prepare them ahead of time. This way, you get the best of both worlds: convenience and nutrition.
As we age, our bodies experience changes that affect how we sleep. The total sleep time decreases, changes to the inner circadian rhythm, and even becoming more sensitive to the sleeping environment are all factors that affect our sleep quality.
A routine can help counteract some of these disturbances that inhibit quality sleep and reset the inner circadian rhythm. For example, if you wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day, your body will learn when it is time to wake up and be alert and when it is time to wind down and sleep.
You have your own set of wellness goals and priorities in life. The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect inwardly, set resolutions, and determine what needs to be included in your new routine.
It could be anything, including:
Once you have set your goals and decided what needs to be included in your wellness routine, the next step is to write out a daily schedule. Being able to physically see and check off items on your to-do list will hold you accountable and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Consistency is key. Make sure to keep your morning, evening, and mealtimes at the same time or close to the same time every day. Before you know it, these routines will become a habit and part of your lifestyle that you no longer even have to think about.
If you are just starting out, be patient with yourself. Creating and sticking to a routine can take time. You may even need to make adjustments to your schedule as you learn what is important to you and what is feasible for you to do each day.
At Vivage, our long-term care communities can help you create a routine that enhances your overall health and wellness. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our services and find a community near you.