Implementing routines can be challenging at any point in time, but they are even more difficult when it is cold and wet outside. Luckily, routines can more easily be implemented in the summertime when the weather is a bit nicer, and everyone feels a little more optimistic. Implementing routines before the summertime creates a good schedule. Creating these routines right before summer is ideal, as your mood toward implementing a new routine will gradually become more positive when the environment brightens. While routines take time to fully submerge into our daily lives, there is no better time than to start now. Routines are a choice, and you get to decide if you want to implement them or not. There are good and bad days, but you get to choose to do all or none each day. I have always believed that 100% differs day today. One day your 100% is climbing Mount Everest. Perhaps the next day, your 100% is taking a walk. Either way, you showed up on both days and gave it your 100%.
Tons of routines can help you along at any point in time. Don’t wait for the weather to change. Start tomorrow, or hell, start right now. Your mind is the real enemy. Train your body to follow routines instead of following what your brain is telling you.
1 hour of exercise is only 4% of your day but so many of us choose to spend that 4% sitting in front of the TV or eating leftovers or sleeping. While there are days that everyone needs a break, each body needs to move. Dedicating 4% of your day 1 hour of exercise to your body will make you feel like you are on top of the world. If you hate cardio, don’t start with cardio. Start with something you enjoy. Kayaking, weightlifting, running, walking, tennis, basketball, baseball. If you get out of the house and start moving for one hour every day, your body will thank you for it in the long run. Trick your brain into becoming a person that exercises. As stated before, your brain is the most difficult thing to overcome. If your greatest fear is going to the gym, walk into the gym, find the nearest treadmill, and walk for 5 minutes. As soon as your 5 minutes are up, walk straight back out the door. While you might not have crushed it at the gym the way you see people on Instagram do, you showed up, gave it your 100%, and implemented a routine. The next day, walk for 10 minutes. You can then tell yourself that you are a person that goes to the gym. It will get easier with consistency.
Cringe, I know. Literally, every single person on social media says to drink water. While it is highly annoying and water is genuinely flavorless and kind of nasty, it really is good for you. If you really can’t stand water, try different types of water infusions or add fruit and spices to your water to give it some taste. While you might not notice it at first, you will see the impact of water if you take it away. If flavors don’t make you feel semi excited to drink water, try a new cup. Perhaps you are boujee and require every color of a Yeti, or maybe you are an avid Starbucks drinker, and a color-changing cup will do the job. Keep an eye out for something that speaks to you and your style while also screaming summer!
While you might not consciously notice when your living space has a fresh layer of dust or when all of last week’s wardrobe lies on your floor, it impacts you more than you know. Summer is supposed to feel clean and light. Your space should reflect that feeling. Deep cleaning your area can get really annoying, so implement small daily cleanings into your routine to lessen the load. If you are a messy person, clean one room and keep it that way for a month. See if it changes how you interact in your environment or how you feel in your environment. You might be surprised by the outcome.
I refuse to be one of those people that recommend kale for a meal. If you want to eat junk food, go for it! The food itself isn’t bad. Our bodies can handle anything in moderation. As a society, it would be in our best interest to stop labeling food as good and bad. Instead, try thinking about food as quantity. 1 gallon of ice cream can’t be good for anything, much less a human body. However, one cup of ice cream might be one of the best things you can do for your body. Balance all quantities and see if this small change makes you feel any different. Food gives us fuel. You get to decide what kind of fuel you want to put into your body. Do you want racing fuel that is derived from espresso or your favorite latte? Do you want to put a long-lasting fuel in your body derived from pizza? Both are excellent options but choose the one that will make your day easy. Be sure to explore some foods that are ideal for summer!
The hardest part of the day is sticking to a routine. Don’t break down because it rained outside, or a job fell through, or your partner dumbed you. These are obstacles that get in the way of the ultimate goal. Identify your ultimate goal and stick to it. 100% is subjective on a day-to-day basis. Nobody can go it alone, so make sure you have people who are genuinely rooting for you. These are the people who pull you out of bed after that tough night. This support system doesn’t take no for an answer, no matter the excuse, and they expect the same in return. Surround yourself with these people.
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