Having a routine is hard. How can I make healthy routines?
We all know that physical activity and exercise is good for our health. These activities are just some examples of all of the healthy lifestyle choices and routines that contribute to overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, just knowing that exercise is healthy is not enough to reap the benefits. It does require a certain level of consistency to achieve and maintain the benefits related to your energy, mood, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and endocrine systems. Maintaining consistency is one of the most difficult parts of maintaining an exercise routine, but below are several ways you can strategically plan your exercise routine to make it feel as automatic as possible:
Start with why: Take a minute to think about why you want to make exercise one of your life routines, then write it down. By writing it down and having the writing somewhere accessible, the value you place on the routine becomes reemphasized and your motivation to sustain exercise remains elevated.
Pair exercise with another routine: Can you ‘piggyback’ off of other routines by pairing exercise with them? For example, you may find that you go grocery shopping every Saturday morning. Maybe you have a gym that is very close to the grocery store where you can go while you are out. Or, maybe you spend some time every morning watching television for 20 minutes. What if you got a treadmill or stationary bike that faces towards your television that you could ride while you watch television. This way, exercise becomes a routine that can be convenient.
Phone a friend: Consider starting a routine with a friend or spouse or tag along with someone who already exercises. If they are knowledgeable, they can also be helpful in showing you ways to get started. Having another person to go with is one of the best ways to remain accountable to the routine.
Invest a little bit of money initially: Some folks find that when they pay a little bit of money up front, they will be more emotionally invested in making a habit of exercise and ultimately benefitting from exercise.
Seek instruction from a professional: One turn-off that some people experience when they first start is not knowing what to do to get the benefits of exercise. For people who do not have exercise experience, it may be ultimately helpful to get instruction from a professional who can ensure that you start by participating in exercise that is safe and individually tailored to your goals and intensity level. This way, you can rest assured that you will not waste your energy in exercise that may not provide your desired results.
Plan for some flexibility: Do you have enough time to exercise? Do you have enough energy? Is your schedule predictable so that you can realistically plan for exercise? Consider these questions when scheduling out your weeks so that you hopefully have time to exercise, but also relax and enjoy your life while fulfilling your obligations. If you consistently find that you do not have the energy to exercise, think about the times of day where you feel most invigorated. For some people, this is in the morning. For others, it is mid day or evenings. Find what time works best for you and plan around that time if you can. Some people even find that going very early in the morning before working hours allows them to get exercise out of the way.
If you are having trouble sticking with an exercise routine, pick a couple of these strategies and see if they can keep you on track as you pursue your new exercise endeavors.
