New Years Mindset
The start of a new year is always refreshing with the hopes and aspirations that beginning something new brings to us. Most people tend to get motivated and plan out their goals for the year ahead. Some even develop a routine that they hope to follow through with to create healthy habits. With big aspirations for the year, sometimes people get distracted and forget about the importance of a daily routine. The big over-arching goals are important but a good daily routine is essential.
Cheryl Betel, Northwestern Medicine Nurse Practitioner, shares that having a routine is the way you build habits which in turn help us maintain positive relationships, good hygiene and our best health. Here’s her suggestions on how to have the most effective approach:
- Try one thing at a time: Do not try to change every aspect of your life all at once. Doing so can be overwhelming and impractical. Trying something small at first will help ease your mind into a rhythm.
- Make a plan: Create and map out your intentions as well as the changes you want to see in your life. This will help you be consistent and hold yourself accountable.
- Reframe your thinking: You do not need to change everything just to incorporate a certain routine into your life. Rather it may be about incorporating different things in your life such as healthier habits into what you already do.
How to Start Following a Daily Routine:
- Create a regular time to wake up and make your bed. You are less likely to get back into bed if it is already made.
- Complete your morning hygiene such as brushing your teeth and showering.
- Eat a good breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and will supply you with the energy needed to complete your tasks throughout the day.
- Implement physical activity into your morning routine to help get your blood flowing and create energy for the day.
- Take some time for your mental health. Even if it is for 10 minutes a day, set aside some time to do relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga or journaling.
