Between work and school, it can be difficult finding time for yourself and your health (I know I struggle). This blog has brought me to start thinking about small ways to improve my daily routine and making the time for myself. Within this blog, I talk about what has helped me put myself first and I hope it can give you some inspiration for a better, healthier, and happier lifestyle.
I used to be very active during high school and my first year of college while I was playing field hockey. Since I’ve decided to quit and start focusing on school, it has been very difficult for me to get back into the routine of being active and making time for myself. But the truth is, I just don’t want to and I don’t really have the time. When I am in class from 10 am to 4pm without a break or if I am scheduled to work that day, the last thing I want to do is go to the gym.
What we’ll cover:
Taking the first step
My sleep schedule used to be the most important thing in my life. I know that sounds really crazy, but its true. I love my sleep. It is still important to me today but honestly, I just don’t have the time. I have recently realized where I am in my life right now. I am 21 years old, I am a senior in college, and I need to start the process of ‘growing up’. I have already moved out of my parents’ house and started to pay my own bills and I have been pretty responsible about it.
The one thing I am struggling with: being lazy. I love my crime documentaries and I will sit on the couch and not get up for hours if I could. But thats very unrealistic. While I’m job searching and starting to plan for my future, I’ve been really trying to not be lazy to feel more grown up (if thats a thing) because personally, if I can overcome laziness, I can do anything.
Thinking about improving your lifestyle is just the first step. I have been thinking about bettering my routine for a long time and I have finally taken the initiative because at the end of the day, I know it makes me feel better about myself.
Its the little things…
Creating goals each day can help your mindset in believing you can improve your lifestyle. Quick tip: have your first goal of the day be easily accomplishable (it will boost your attitude for the day)
Here are some easy-to-do meals and activities that can get you thinking about what fits within your routine.
Recipes:
Greek Couscous Salad:
Banana Bread Overnight Oats:
Cookie Dough Balls (For those with a sweet tooth like me)
*Pinterest is a great way to find easy, healthy recipes.
Get moving
Having a workout plan may seem extreme. Especially if you don’t have time to go to the gym (like me). I’ve been researching on Tik Tok and Youtube to find some quick workout/pilates videos that don’t require the use of weights (so that I can do them at home). I have been trying to fit small workouts in my daily schedule. These videos have helped me a lot because I’m not 100% sure on what to do exactly, and I am able to change/implement something different that I’m more comfortable doing.
Here is a quick and easy workout to get your body moving. (Keep in mind: This circuit is what works for ME, use this as an example and adjust to what works for you!)
- 25 knee to elbows (in plank position) (x3)
- 25 mountain climbers (x3)
- 25 bicycle crunches (x3)
- 25 dead bugs (x3)
- 30 crunches (x3)
- 15 squats (x3)
- 20 lunges (10 each side) (x3)
- 15 pushups (x3)
Tips:
- I do 2-3 exercises within each circuit
- I form my circuits around how my body is positioned (i.e. I’ll do bicycle crunches, dead bugs, and crunches 3 times before I start my squats and lunges)
- If you are able to workout everyday (unlike me), you can also try focusing on certain parts of your body on different days through the week. For example, focus on your core one day and legs the following day.
ALSO: I do not do this everyday. I try my best to do this on the days where I can fit it into my schedule. If you don’t have the time, don’t stress about it!!
Getting organized
Creating a new routine can be difficult to implement into your daily schedule. Here are some ideas to help create and follow that new routine you are creating for yourself.
Start small
First things first – make your bed. I didn’t think it was a big deal considering that I would just need to unmake it by the end of the day. BUT wow. When I wake up and I am ready to start my day, it’s the first thing I do. Its like I can move forward with my day if my bed isn’t made. I know it’s silly but it completely changes my mindset for the day.
Making my bed was the first step to my new routine. Once I became confident in that, I wanted to keep going and keep creating goals for myself throughout the day. So, I created my own skincare routine. I know everyone pretty much has one but I needed made sure that I took my makeup off everyday before bed (because I have a bad habit of sleeping in my makeup). I know it’s gross but it’s true. I’m a bartender and I can have really late shifts (the last thing I want to do when I get home at 2 a.m. is wash my face.) So, that is another goal I created for myself. AND nothing feels better than a moisturized face.
From there I started to add better meals to my diet, creating a little workout that I like to do, and I started going on walks (just to stay active). The changes I made were not too dramatic or too difficult for me to put into my schedule because I thought of what I could improve and when I could start. Make the time for yourself. You’ll be able to do it on your own schedule and you’ll have a better day each day you do it.
Planning
I have a planner for school and work, but I barely use it. Over social media, I have seen many people use templates for their daily goals and checklists that they need to accomplish before the end of the day. I have recently started to use one and it is hard to find time to actually sit down and do it, but it is a great feeling to have everything checked off for the day/week and see what I accomplished.
Helpful templates:
In the future…
If you are interested in living a happier lifestyle, just remember that you don’t have to start with adding too much because that can be overwhelming. Try starting small, like developing a skincare routine or giving yourself an hour of you time to watch your favorite show or movie. Creating time during the day that you set a side for yourself can make it easier to improve your routine to how you see fit.
You’re important.
Let’s be honest: everyone has something they struggle with. For me, it’s the motivation of being active and getting done what I need to get done. Writing this blog and putting my best efforts to put myself first has really helped me learn to look back at my day with a whole different perspective. I have learned to be proud of myself and to feel accomplished by the time I get in bed. If you are/were struggling with making the time for yourself, I really hope this blog will give you the extra push and support that you may need.
