Benefits of Creating a Wellness Routine to Start the New Year
We are all creatures of habit; we have our own routines, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a simple morning routine in which we get up, make coffee, and take a shower or a more detailed routine that schedules out the whole day, we all have our daily rituals.
These routines and habits are a significant part of our lifestyles and can actually be beneficial to our overall health and wellness, especially as we grow older.
At Uplands Village, we see firsthand the benefits that implementing a routine into your lifestyle can have on your well-being. The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to create a wellness routine. In the spirit of setting new resolutions and goals, our team is sharing some of the benefits of routine as well as tips for implementing them into your lifestyle.
Minimize Stress Levels
A common trigger for stress and anxiety is the unknown. According to Northwestern Medicine, “no routine often means having the constant worry of ‘when will I get it all done.’” Following a routine and planning out each day enables you to worry less about what is to come, be more present in the moment, and create an extra sense of safety and stability.
By creating and following an established daily wellness routine, you are taking the guessing out of what each day will bring. You cannot fully plan for everything that will happen or how each day will play out. However, you know what tasks you want to accomplish that day and have a general idea of what to expect.
Additionally, “better stress levels lead to improved mental health, more time to relax, and less anxiety (Northwestern Medicine).”
Better Eating Habits
Another wellness benefit of following a routine is that it is easier to form healthier eating habits. Unfortunately, it’s common nowadays to focus more on convenience over proper nutrition, but an unhealthy diet can lead to other health issues down the road.
Northwestern Medicine states, “unhealthy diets (like eating lots of fast food) become the norm if there isn’t time scheduled for grocery shopping. Quick, unhealthy substitutes become the next best food option.” However, these other options lack the nutrition we need to fuel our bodies properly.
Creating and sticking to a routine enables you to plan time in your schedule for meals. Additionally, this structure can help you pre-plan healthy meals and prepare them ahead of time, allowing you to benefit from the best of both worlds – convenience and nutrition.
Promote Better Sleep
Sleep is so important to our overall health and wellness. It is how the body repairs itself from the day and refreshes for the next. As we age, though, our bodies go through changes that affect how we sleep.
From the total time we sleep and our sensitivity to our sleep environment to producing less melatonin and adjustments to the inner circadian rhythm, many factors contribute to changes in sleep patterns as we grow older. With this being said, following a routine can help combat these natural changes and promote better sleeping patterns.
By going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each morning, your body will subconsciously learn when it is time to wind down for the evening and be sleepy and when it is time to be awake and alert. This will help prevent tossing and turning when you try to fall asleep and feel groggy in the morning.
Tips for Creating a Wellness Routine
The new year is the perfect time to set new goals and resolutions, but implementing new routines into your lifestyle may take time. Be patient with yourself and make adjustments when necessary.
A few tips to get you started include:
- Decide what needs to be in your schedule – what things are you prioritizing? (exercise, socialization, healthy eating, etc.).
- Write it out – being able to check items off your to-do list provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Stay consistent – stick with it; before you know it, your new wellness routine will become a habit.
Uplands Village can help you implement wellness routines into your daily life and assist you in creating your desired lifestyle. If you want to learn more about our services and Life Plan Community, visit our website!