My usual routines for exercising, eating healthy, and being consistent with my sleep have definitely fallen by the wayside lately… understandably. I’ve been giving myself grace, but I’m also trying to get back to some semblance of a routine – even if it looks different than it used to pre-pandemic – because I know how important it is for both my mental and physical health.
The great thing about routines, especially if you’re struggling mentally, is that they become like second nature, and make it easier to get things done without having to think too much.
To help you better incorporate healthy routines into your schedule, I want to share a worksheet with you from my partner, Mental Health America. It’s one of many tools available for Mental Health Month to help you make small changes that can really impact how you feel.
This week’s exercises will help you identify your goals, find out what’s getting in your way of achieving them, and schedule them in a way that makes them attainable.
To get the worksheet, download the free Mental Health Month Toolkit at mhanational.org/may, then look for the “Creating Healthy Routines” handout.
Other tips that can help:
- Start small. Pick one little thing to work on each week. It could be adding something new and positive, or cutting out a bad habit.
- Try to plan ahead. Life is uncertain right now, but try to stack the odds in your favor by doing things like prepping meals ahead of time or putting your workouts on a calendar.
- Reward yourself for small victories. When you reach your goal – no matter how small it is – take a few minutes to recognize it. You walked around the block for five minutes instead of doing nothing? Good job! High-five yourself to celebrate😆, do a happy dance to mark the accomplishment, or treat yourself to something you enjoy.
Personally, my walks have been so sporadic lately, I’ve been sleeping way more than usual, and my diet is definitely not as clean as it usually is. Like I said, I’m giving myself grace… and taking tiny steps towards routines that I know will help me feel better.