With our busy lifestyles, it’s easy to get completely bogged down in the daily struggle just to exist. Finding the time to visit the gym, fit in a walk and buy healthy ingredients to cook from fresh can seem like a mountain to climb. But there are simple, small things you can do to improve your daily routines which add up to improved wellbeing.
For example, consider the average day:
- Alarm goes off too early. Get up feeling tired
- If you have a young family everyone needs to be up, dressed, fed and delivered to school
- Then there is the commute to work. Traffic is becoming heavier every year so this can up a large proportion of your day and probably more time than you spend working out
- Most of us sit at a desk all day and get a little exercise
- Another stressful battle home in the car
- Stop for a food shop on the way home
- Cook dinner
- Do any household chores
- Watch TV and collapse
- Sleep…
It’s not surprising that those shopping trips en route home result in quick, easy microwave choices or unhealthy comfort food options. This is tough! We all need a break! But how do we break out of this relentless routine?
Where on earth do we find time to fit in a workout, let alone two, three or four? We all want to be more active as most of us know how good it feels but finding the time and making it work seems almost impossible for most of us.
Let’s fix this
So we’ve pulled together a few simple strategies and ideas that we hope will help you re-wire your brain and help you craft your own healthy habits.
Follow the leader
If you love the gram, look at who you follow. Remove anyone who doesn’t make you feel your best. Instead, find inspiring people on social media who you can relate to. Find people you aspire to be like but who don’t intimidate you or make you feel insignificant by comparison. There are loads of bloggers and influencers sharing positive body image and tips for following a healthy lifestyle.
Split the difference
If you live with others, draw up a rota so you share the chores and cooking responsibilities. Having a physical board or reminders will help with accountability and take things off your mental load as you’re able to go check the list.
Encourage all the family to contribute to whatever parts of the shopping, cooking and cleaning up they can do because let’s face it, they are contributing to the mess!
Plan for success
Plan your weekly food menu and try to cook things that leave you with leftovers so you have something quick and easy for lunch the following day, or food you can easily turn into another meal. e.g. simple roasting a chicken can leave you with leftovers for a curry, risotto or salad the following day/night.
If you’re making things that freeze well like soup, bolognese or curries make a larger batch and store the extra portions for weeks you just can’t keep up with.
If you want some inspiration check out our recipe section on AF Connect Online.
Additionally, schedule in gym time, rest time, self care, family time, learning time etc. in your diary. Make a commitment to yourself which you can then refer back to see how well you’ve done.
Catch some Zs
Look at what time you go to bed and what time you get up. Can you get to bed earlier? Try to have at least half an hour relaxing and away from the TV, smart screens, games and phones before you go to sleep.
It’s well known that blue light stops you from sleeping so well. Instead try a meditation, reading, chatting with your partner or going for a gentle walk. You can also do so many things to optimise your sleep so you should be able to find a few that suit you.
Get a head start
Okay, this isn’t going to be everyone’s favourite tip but… Set your alarm half an hour earlier to try to avoid the traffic or get a head start with the family breakfast. You could even try to get in some early morning exercise if you felt so inclined. You’ll feel amazing if you can.
Think big picture
Look at your mental health. Everyone is different but if you need to address issues like anxiety, low mood, stress or depression, find someone to talk to. That could be a friend that you trust or your doctor. Coping in silence can be exhausting and damaging to your health and those who you live with.
Friends who train together stay together
Find a friend to work out with. Ask your friends, they may also be struggling to find the time and need that extra boost. Being accountable to a friend can really help. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s swimming, walking, running or finding a local class to attend, by doing it together you’ll be sharing the burden of motivation.
Me, myself and I
Make time for you! Whether that’s a long soak in the bath or a spa break. Plan in treats that are just that, to do absolutely nothing doing something you love. Life doesn’t have to be all achievements and challenges. Take a step back and rest and relax. Your body will thank you for it.
Want more? We have a range of blogs to inspire you as well as our member platform AF Connect Online which covers all areas of health and wellbeing. Don’t forget to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for regular tips and motivation.
Amazing. I agree and appreciate your effort to gather knowledge and provide us on Health Components. I will read your other blogs too. Thanks one again.