I think right now, we’re all trying to work on improving something in our lives. As you know, I chose my word of the year for 2019, but I’m also adding some healthy habits into the mix to improve certain areas in my life. I always tell myself that small changes can add up to major improvements over time.
Healthy Habits I’m Including In My Daily Routine
Less Screen Time
One of the worst habits that I have in my life is the amount of time that I’m online. The problem is that its part of my job. When you’re a blogger, there is so much to do online. However, I know that I can still cut back on the amount of time I’m on Instagram, Facebook, etc.
One of the things that I’ve been doing is using the do-not-disturb setting on my iPhone. Right now it’s from 12:00-6:00. I can probably bump it up to start a little earlier if I’m being honest. It doesn’t show me notifications or anything, so it helps me stay offline.
Self-Care Time
Another healthy habit that I’m trying to really be good about is really utilizing and scheduling self-care time. The amount of people that tell me that they don’t have time to read a book or put on a face mask always surprises me. Maybe it’s just prioritizing that self-care time that needs to be scheduled. Rather than browsing facebook for an hour, read a book! Let’s be honest, you’re probably not missing that much by skipping out on facebook occasionally.
In my planner, I actually schedule self-care time. This is a healthy habit that I’m VERY invested in. I have to take care of myself and I need those moments where I just am able to relax and focus on my own health in order to be the best person that I can be. Maybe it’s a face mask. Maybe it’s time for a manicure and pedicure. Maybe it’s time to go enjoy a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Maybe I’m writing in my journal or meditiating. The point is, I realize that I need “me” time and that is something that I’m very serious about.
Power of No
If there is one healthy habit that I have been working hard on, it’s learning that it’s ok to say no. The power of no is huge for me. I’m a total people pleaser so the idea of me having to say no to someone or something, is a big deal. Here’s the thing though, you have to say no more often. Sure, it will hurt others and might make them irritated with you for a brief moment, but trust me, they will get over it.
You can’t be a YES person forever and for everything. Don’t feel like you have to attend parties and/or events that you don’t want to go to. Don’t feel like you have to attend baby showers or engagement parties if they do nothing but upset you. Don’t feel like you have to give to every single charity that asks for a donation when you check-out. Seriously, there is huge power in being able to say no.
Enjoy Nature More
Being that I work from home, I can sometimes get in a very bad habit of not venturing outdoors very often. In the warmer months, having a pool in our backyard helps, but right now when it’s freezing cold I don’t really venture out much. I need to change this. I want to start walking outdoors more. I want to start visiting more parks and nature areas around us.
One of the goals that I have for myself and for Rob is to schedule walks into our schedules. We have so many gorgeous places to explore around us and we both need to venture outdoors and get some fresh air every now and then. Plus, it will do us both good to be off of our computers and phone (he works from home also) and be able to communicate and spend time with one another.
My Health Is Important
Speaking of healthy habits, my health is something I’ve been working on for a couple of years now. You guys probably remember my experience I had in 2017 where I had numerous surgeries because of my PCOS and Endometriosis. While a lot of the health issues I was (still am) dealing with aren’t exactly something I have control over, a lot of the things I can!
I’ve been working on cleaning up my diet. The Holidays can be tough on our bodies. We’re eating whatever is in our faces, we’re drinking a lot more often. It’s not good. So I’m using Weight Watchers to help me get back on track. The one thing I love about weight watchers is that I don’t have to give up everything and go crazy like I have before on Whole30. Its just not realistic for me, but with weight watchers I can still make better choices and I love the amount of recipes that they have available. I want to do a separate post on this in the future. So far, I’m eating so much better and am feeling great!
Setting a Schedule
Like I mentioned before, I work from home. There is no separation of home and work when you live in an environment that you also work in. I’m changing that though. I plan on spending time in my office when I’m working. I tend to get lazy and work on a blog post or answer emails from the couch because I can, but I’m trying to not do that anymore.
Another healthy habit that I’m adding to my daily routine is to make a work schedule with lunch breaks. I used to do this and it worked out so much better for me. Now it’s a free for all and I’ll eat whenever and still be working at 12:00 in the morning. While I know I can be flexible with my schedule, I just need to have something in place to keep me from working so much. I still need to have time at home and time with my husband, family, and friends. So I’ve been following a schedule and seeing how it helps me. My day goes something like this:
9:00:I usually wake up, have breakfast and start my day
9:30-12:30: Time to review emails, post in my groups and check what I need to do for the day
12:30-1:00: Lunch! Even if it’s just a half an hour, I try to be off the phone and spend time with Rob, while we have lunch.
1:00-5:00: Finish up work I still have remaining to do. Photograph for future posts. Reply to emails. Schedule social media.
5:00-7:00: Prepare and eat dinner. Clean up, etc.
7:00-11:00: This is kind of my “free” time. Sometimes I’ll admit that if we’re just sitting on the couch doing nothing, I might do some work. However, I’ve been trying to be better about spending time with Rob during these hours. Maybe we’ll watch tv or a movie. Sometimes we might talk about our budget (which we have been, more on that later) or maybe I’ll read while he plays Playstation. My biggest goal in this time is to just be present and be able to spend time with him. To not be on my computer or on social media.
11:00-12:00: This is normally the time I’ll go to bed. At least I try to go to bed. I’m a late night person, but I’ve been trying to be better about going to bed earlier. One thing I try to really do is to relax for a while before I go to sleep. No tv, no electronics. Maybe I’ll read, maybe I’ll start my Calm app.
I rely heavily on my Erin Condren Life Planner. If you’re looking for a new planner, you can save yourself $10.00! I’ve reviewed my Erin Condren planner before if you want to see how I use mine!
You can see that these are all very simple healthy habits that you can easily add to your daily routine. Maybe even just trying one of them will help improve your day and or night. I think we all want better sleep, better health, better relationships with ourselves and others and days that are more productive and less stressful. That’s why I’m adding these into my routine so that I can live the best life possible! Here’s to a healthy and productive 2019!
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