Change is hard, but it is often necessary and out of your control. Change can be something as simple and regularly occurring as the change in your schedule when the weekend arrives, or going on vacation, or the change of seasons. Or, change can be something more significant such as the beginning or end of a school year, a new job, relocating, or a new relationship.
Keeping your life on track, sticking with your healthy habits, and remaining focused on your goals are all possible during times of change. Don’t panic! Take some time to step back and look at your current situation. This is a great time to re-evaluate your old routines, habits, and goals. Are they serving you well? Or are they tired and mundane?
First thing is first — take a deep breath and be kind to yourself. Nothing good will come from frantically beating yourself up about the change or the lack of control you may be feeling.
Create a new routine. Once you’ve determined which habits and routines are important, be sure to include them in your new daily routine and maybe even use this time of change to boost your habits, productivity, or goals. For example when the weekend comes, and your daily schedule and routine changes, use this to your advantage. If you have more unscheduled time in the day, allow yourself to get your day started a little later and enjoy some extra sleep for a slower-moving morning; build in an extra 15 minutes to your workout; or set aside some time to read for pleasure.
Readjust your daily habits. When life changes, you might not have to completely revamp everything you do. Making small adjustments to your regular habits can be very effective. For example, as the season changes to spring or summer, use the extra daylight hours to wake up a little bit earlier to get in quick walk before work or eat your lunch outside to gain the benefits of fresh air and Vitamin D.
Try something NEW. Seasonal changes offer a great opportunity to try new activities that can only be done in a specific season, such as skiing in the winter and outdoor swimming in the summer. Trying a new seasonal activity offers your body the chance to cross train and avoid overuse or burnout. Changing seasons also give the chance to eat the fruits and vegetables harvested during that time. You can change up your menu options with the farmer’s market offerings.
Stay consistent. During times of change, it is likely that not EVERYTHING needs to change. Find the things that can stay the same, and hold on to them. Maybe when you’re on vacation, it is easy to wake up in the morning and get in your regular workout…. So do that! Maybe when you start a new school year, it is possible to continue to prep your lunch the night before, so you have it when you need it…. Even if your lunch time has changed, you will still have your food ready to go!
Change forces you out of your comfort zone. Change means growth is happening. Whether you thrive on change or you like everything to stay the same, change can send your life and your regular routine into a tailspin. How you deal with the change is completely up to you. The better you get at accepting and adjusting to change, the happier you will be!