We all have routines. Some may be good, while some may be bad. You probably have a bedtime routine or a routine you typically follow each morning before work. Having routines can be a very positive thing, especially when it comes to health.
Achieving good health isn’t always easy. If you slip too far from good health, getting back on track may require major lifestyle changes. This can apply to physical health, mental health, and even spiritual health.
By implementing positive routines, these elements that often make up a healthy lifestyle can become habitual. Being healthy is possible, no matter where you may be starting from. Consistency is key! This is where routines come in.
Routines for Good Health
Routines are difficult to break. This can work in your favor, or it can work against you, depending on what your routine involves. If your routine includes activities or thoughts that do not serve you well, this would be the latter. Beginning your day with meditation followed by a healthy breakfast would be an example of a routine that benefits you.
When it comes to good health, routines can be very helpful and are often critical. When you experience the positive effects of a healthy routine, it becomes naturally reinforced. Routines to encourage good health can be applied throughout your day to ensure you are making efforts to improve and maintain good physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Physical Health
Good physical health is highly dependent on consistency. In other words, eating healthy occasionally and exercising only once a month is unlikely to produce great results. For this reason, routines are a very important part of maintaining good physical health.
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is a great thing to incorporate into a daily routine. Maybe you love sweets or junk food and can’t fathom giving those up. You don’t have to! By making it a routine to eat healthy meals and snacks most of the time, a few slices of pizza here and there or an occasional brownie won’t throw you off track too much. Of course, this is true as long as you resume your healthy eating routine, following the treat.
Regular physical activity or exercise is beneficial for everyone. It doesn’t have to be extensive. Studies show that even thirty minutes worth of moderate exercise per day can make a huge difference. Developing a routine for implementing some activity in your day or several times per week can be very advantageous to your physical health.
Mental Health
Developing routines to promote good mental health is critical. There are many ways of doing this, and different things work well for different people. Perhaps what is most important is remembering to prioritize your mental health and check in with yourself regularly.
Spending some time each day meditating, reading scripture, or in prayer can be extremely beneficial to your mental health. By doing so, you are allowing time for self-reflection, acknowledging needs, and setting goals. It can be easy to neglect your mental health when life gets hectic. Establishing a routine that includes even a few minutes for yourself can help you ensure this remains a priority.
Getting good sleep is also critical to mental health and brain function. Sleep can be tricky, especially during difficult times. Following a routine before bed that allows you to unwind and relax can increase your odds of getting good quality sleep and enough of it.
A few ways to do this can include avoiding screens before bed, reading, taking a shower or bath, listening to relaxing music, or using essential oils. This is a matter of personal preference. What matters is creating a routine to follow each night so that your body and brain recognize that it is time to wind down and can prepare for sleep. This allows you to fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer.
Spiritual Health
As mentioned, making daily meditation, prayer, or scripture reading a habit can be very beneficial. Maintaining good spiritual health requires some work, but can become easier with practice.
Staying connected with God or a higher power throughout treatment and recovery or during tough times can make all the difference. This requires regular communication and time set aside to focus on making a connection. By setting aside just a few minutes each day for your spiritual health, you can reap the benefits.
Routines are essential to good health. They can also make it much easier to accomplish goals. Consider incorporating some healthy habits into your daily routine to achieve and maintain good physical, mental, and spiritual health. You will be better for it!
Physical, mental, and spiritual health are all equally important components of overall well-being. It is critical to address each of these areas during treatment and recovery. During treatment, you may be introduced to new activities and routines that you can choose to carry with you into recovery. By making the most of each opportunity to develop new healthy habits and lifestyle changes, you can set yourself up for success long-term. At Renaissance Ranch, we encourage activities to address each area of health. Our programs include exercise, meditation/prayer, church meetings, and more. Let us help you develop good routines to implement during treatment and throughout recovery. We can create a treatment plan to address your specific needs and fit your situation. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call Renaissance Ranch today at (801) 308-8898.