How to Get on a Routine (and Actually Stick to It)

I'm sure you've probably heard fitness gurus out there talking about routine and setting a schedule, doing the daily activities that will improve your health. It's also paired with the word consistency too and it can sometimes be overwhelming to put them into action.

Let's start with how to identify routines.

A routine is something that you do every day without a second thought. Let's take an example of brushing your teeth, buckling your seat belt, packing your food for the day, getting your kids ready for school, etc. Those are most likely all things that are a part of your everyday actions that you do no matter what. So when thinking about "what is a routine in my life," take a moment to observe what happens on a day when school is canceled or you don't have to go into work. Do you find yourself doing some of the same things or telling yourself, "Oh, you don't have to do that today because of XYZ."

That is your routine! It's second nature and your brain is automatically going to that space trying to make it happen.

How can we make routine happen with fitness and nutrition and avoid disturbances?

Fitness: Schedule your workout days. If your gym days float in the wind, well guess what, your consistency will float away with it leaving you upset and frustrated when you're not seeing a change or the results you want.

If this feels constricting then hear me out. Life does not have to revolve around your gym schedule. You can still hang out with friends or go to a ball game on a night that is a scheduled gym day. And here's how.

Option 1.) Adjust the time you go to the gym
Option 2.) Adjust the duration you will be at the gym
Option 3.) Enjoy a surprise rest day & reschedule for another day

Nutrition: Not gunna lie, this can be a tough one to gain traction on so if you want to truly make this be a part of your routine, start small & simple and give it a fighting chance.

Where nutrition differs from fitness is that it is a part of our whole day and not just one hour of our day. There will be more opportunity for distractions and hurdles to overcome. Here are some options for starting small & simple:

Option 1.) Eat a healthy breakfast
Option 2.) Drink half your body weight in ounces of water/daily
Option 3.) Prep 2 recipes a week

For starters, pick 1 to 2 options and hang with it! I'll say it again, hang with it! Create a check list, ask a friend to join you, etc. Do whatever makes sense for you to hold yourself accountable to give it a fighting chance.

Bonus Food for Thought:

• If you drink more water, you'll save money on buying sodas and processed drinks.
• Eating a healthy breakfast at home can take as little as 10-15 minutes which could equal the time it takes you to go out of your way to visit a drive-thru and wait on your food.
• Prepping two recipes will reduce decision fatigue by however many meals it provides for you. And you won't have to ask/hear, "What's for dinner!?" (Why is that questions so cringy!?)

You'll be saving money, time, and mental energy by implanting these options! Kaaachow!!!

‍