Maybe you’ve had a few sleepless nights, of job layoffs. Whatever is stressing you out in your work-family balance has evaporated into thin air, and you find ourself cranky, anxious or tired out. You may not feeling how you want to, but this is no time to dig yourself further into a hole of desperation. Get back to basics.
Sometimes all we need is to return to a set of tried and true rules that can support you in feeling clearer, emotionally calmer, and more energized.
It’s always good to track you’re behaviors for a while to pull yourself back into healthier habits.
It seems like anymore, we are all just trying to get by. And when that happens it’s easy to fall back to unhealthy habits.
I used to keep track of my habits, but it seems like I have less and less time for me these days.
I drug out my old daily routine tracker. Here is a few points to you get a jumping start.
No Work After 7 PM
From 7-9 connect with your family, hearing about how others days went, finding some ways to get closer to them. Is a huge boost. Dim the lights and create a calm environment. Take a rest from laundry, emails, or work projects. They can wait.
Don’t sacrifice yourself to the crazy life we all lead.
Get Ready For Bed At 9 PM
Take a look at agenda for tomorrow if you have to, but take some time for yourself, spending a little while focusing on you. make a nightly routine that you can follow. If your really feeling drained set yourself a strict routine about getting into bed early. As adults it’s so easy to stay up until midnight or later. But you are not doing yourself any favors.
Calm Your Brain
Spend sometime reading or listen to calm music. Something relaxing. It doesn’t help if you go to bed early, if your just going to lay there and be anxious or worry about everything. This is time to calm down and shut off your brain for the day.
The Morning
Take about 15-20 minutes to stretch and breathe. Don’t jump out of bed and immediately start your day. If you have to set your alarm early and take the time to stretch and breathe before rising for the day do so. You’ll find it will help you get your day on the way with a positive mindset. I like to spend time in positive affirmations or reading the Bible over my morning coffee. It gets my day off to a good start.
Time Exercising
Spend some time exercising each day. Whether it’s walking, or taking a fitness class. It doesn’t matter just get your body moving, and lower your anxiety and leads to a stronger life, and it helps with your mental and physical health.
I don’t know about you, but when I have to take trips out of town. I notice when I’ve been neglecting my body, when I slack on my exercise.
Drink Water
I love my coffee, it I could I would be drinking coffee all day. I can easily fall back to my coffee lovers routine. But it taxes my adrenals and messes with my blood sugar levels, as well as dehydrates me. It’s a good idea to drink at least 64oz of water a day. If you like lemon try squeezing a few drops in your water. It helps reduce hunger, as well as improves your digestive system and helps fight off infections and boosts your immune system. The main thing is to get enough water.
Do Something Nurturing For Yourself Every Day
Self-care is essential. You are worth it. A long hot bath, a glass of wine, or just connecting with friends. Celebrate the little wins. When we get off track, it’s easy to fall on the self-care wagon.
Book Days Off
Don’t let work creep into every single day, including family time. We become less productive and our health and primary relationships suffer if we don’t prioritize sufficient time for rest and play. It’s important to schedule block off days at least once a week. Boy, I struggle with this one. It’s hard for me to say “no” when someone asks me to do something for them. But I’m learning.
Eat By 10:30 AM
I’m not a early breakfast eater but by mid-morning I’m ready to for a healthy breakfast. There’s a lot of talk these days about intermittent fasting. So make sure if your doing this, don’t just head for the sugary doughnuts and coffee breakfast. Taking time to nourish yourself allows you to remain calmer, and focused. Eat to stay energized everyday. It’s also part of self-care.
Make Time For Life Visioning
Don’t get antsy or anxious during the day. Make sure your always moving forward with your goals. Being productive is important. But we can end up living crazy busy because we lack joy in our lives if we are clear on why we are making certain decisions or spending time in a certain way. The WHY is critical.
Maybe what we really need is to simply start getting to bed before midnight and drinking more water. Do a honest check-in of how you feel right now and if you know you are off track try creating your own”Back to Basics Health Rules. Try tracking your progress, this may just be enough to set you back on the right course.