Your body and your mind thrive when there is some level of predictability in your life. The human body is constantly seeking a state of “homeostasis” which means that the internal conditions of the body are remaining as constant as possible. In todays fast paced world, it can be difficult to create a solid routine, but creating just a few simple habits can be incredibly balancing for both mentally and physically.
1. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day, even on weekends. I know this may seem tough, but if you can get in the habit of sleeping and rising at consistent times each day your body will come to expect sleep. This can lead to deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.
2. Eat at the same time every day. This does not mean that you have to eat your lunch at exactly 12:15 every day, but if you can set a loose schedule where you are eating within the same hour each day your body and digestion will thank you. Again this will cause your body to expect food, which will improve your digestive function. This will also help to reduce the stress your body can feel when it does not know when its next meal is going to come. Set alarms for yourself if it helps you to remember to eat. This tip will prove especially helpful for you if your hormones are out of balance or if you’re carrying extra weight.
3. Have a gratitude practice. Stop for just one minute before you eat and give thanks for your food. This little habit will help you to calm down if you are stressed before you eat, and it will give a consistency to the way in which you eat.
4. Have a nighttime ritual. Try shutting off all electronics 1 hour before bed. Use this time to read, sip tea, take a bath or shower, chat with your family and just generally unwind. This ritual combined with a consistent sleeping schedule will make your sleep powerfully rejuvenating and healing.
5. Take five minutes every day to breathe. Set a time that works best for you in your day (this could be when you first wake up in the morning, during your lunch break or before bed) to sit with your eyes closed so you can focus purely on your breath. Allow your thoughts to flow into your mind and then out as you draw your attention to your breath. This is a practice in mindfulness that will help you to cultivate more awareness in your life.
Setting a routine does not have to be elaborate. Just a few simple things can help you find balance in your day and in your life. If you find you have a difficult time creating new habits, choose one high leverage habit and focus on that for 30 to 60 days until it becomes easy.
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