6 Ways to Refresh Your Routine for The New Year
Hey Angels and Alphas,
We, people, are creatures of habit. We love the comfort our routines give us because they provide structure for our lives and help us find out what to expect from life. But even the best routines will benefit from the occasional revamp.
By giving your routine a New Year makeover, you can apply new things you’ve learned, gain new perspectives, and enjoy new ways to improve your health.
Below, we’ve explored seven healthy ways you can refresh your routine. And because we’ve just entered the New Year, there’s no better time for you to put them into action.
#1 TRY A NEW WORKOUT REGIME
It’s easy for you to get stuck in a rut, doing your favorite workouts over and over. But your body will respond positively to unpredictability.
Instead of trying to do the same old exercises, again and again, this year, try something new. If you’re a jogger, mix it up with the occasional HIIT workout session. If yoga is what you love to do, try picking up some weights or take a class in strength training.
#2 SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE
Getting outdoor time has been proven to decrease stress levels, release endorphins that improve your mood, and help you rack up steps (and calories.) It’s also a great way to soak up much-needed vitamin D and all of the benefits it brings, from initial immune support to heart health.
If you’re at a job in which you’re stuck on a desk all day, take your next lunch break and use it to take a short walk outside. See how you’re going to feel! If you’re a treadmill lover or someone who usually lifts weights, try heading outdoors for a bodyweight workout or a hike.
#3 LEARN NEW RECIPES
A lot of us are guilty of cooking the same meals again and again. Or worse, resorting to takeout. Instead, why not pick up a cookbook, go find some inspiration on Pinterest, or browse through a recipe blog.
There are so many great meals out there that you’re going to absolutely love, from quick dinners to slow-cooked stews. Explore and find out what you love (and your routine) love most.
#4 REVAMP YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE
Between your family, social responsibilities, career, and ten other things, it’s difficult to get in quality sleep every night. Most adults need anywhere between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night so they can feel at their best.
To make sure you’re on the right track, revamp your sleep routine by setting a new bedtime and sticking to it. Going to bed and then waking up at nearly the same time every day is the best thing you can do for your sleep schedule and sleep quality.
#5 GET ORGANIZED
If you’re someone who isn’t really organized or likes to use systems to manage their daily life, even the slightest tasks can feel overwhelming. In the New Year, try adding some more serenity to your life by organizing the things that stress you out.
Maybe it’s your home gym or desk. It could be a pantry or your fridge. Just try to get in the habit of staying organized, and you’ll soon realize how prepared you are to handle anything life throws at you – from tedious daily tasks to ambitious goals.
#6 TAKE TIME TO RELAX… AND GET “ME TIME”
Wellness is not a switch you can flip on and off. It’s not something you can achieve by just dieting and exercising correctly. You’ll need to implement practices that train your mind, ease stress, and help keep you in the “now.”
Meditating, listening to music, getting a massage, taking a hot bath, writing in your journal, and similar wellness practices that take no more than 10 minutes out of your day can significantly improve your quality of life.
Wouldn’t your life be better if you made relaxation a part of your daily routine? Even if you have to go as far as scheduling it in your day, you’re going to feel better all year long.