Ok so I have to admit that the intense travel I’ve been doing recently has taken a toll and I’ve been looking forward to getting home and doing a healthy reboot – of my fitness, eating and wellbeing.
Even though I’m back home now, I must admit that I’ve let that holiday approach linger – enjoying a few too many dinners out, being a little lax on the exercise and not sticking to my usual routines. Which has left me feeling drained, to say the least! I guess I’m also aware that the routine I set for myself at the start of the year has completely slipped… As will happen with New Years Goals (and I know there’s no point in beating myself up) but considering we’re almost at the middle of year, I thought it was high time to get back on track.
Because it’s so much more fun to do things with you guys than on my own, I decided it was time to share with you a series all about getting back into health – fitness, eating well, sleeping better and just generally feeling a bit more calm too. I hope you’ll join me!
The Healthy Habits Daily Countdown
I’m not sure if you’re like me, but I know for a fact that I’m happier, more relaxed and more productive when I have some sort of routine in my life – habits that I do everyday to keep me sane. This could be an exercise regime that works for me, time to prepare delicious healthy food, time in the mornings to relax before the day starts, restful deep sleep… and all the rest. Although in the past the thought of things being ‘routine’ didn’t appeal whatsoever, as life has become more hectic that’s really what I crave. Such a weird change but it turns out that routine is strangely satisfying… who knew?!?
I’m such a visual person, and love simple diagrams that break things down and make them easier to understand. One thing that I’ve noticed is that it’s so easy to forget or be too busy for the small things that make a difference to your health and fitness. So we put together this Daily Countdown, all about reminding you about the little daily routines that will make you happier and healthier. Even if you can’t tick them all off every day I find that they’re a good reminder. I’ll be using these as the basis for my health and fitness reboot, I’ve printed it out and stuck it on the wall next to my cuter and on the fridge! Perhaps you can do the same.
Healthy habits for me centre around:
- An exercise regime that I enjoy
- Getting good quality sleep
- Eating healthy, delicious and flavourful food
- Being active generally in my day with enough walking and mental breaks
- Drinking enough water
- And relaxing/meditating for even just a little bit every day.
It’s not exactly rocket science is it? I mean, you don’t have to be a wellness addict to want to do these. Just basic habits that make life so much more enjoyable… Although it’s easy to fall out of a routine, like I am now!
Question
A Question For You Guys
For the next few weeks I’m excited to be sharing with you my health and fitness reboot! Putting together some of my favourite healthy recipes, how to build the perfect lunch box, talking about sleeping better and what I’ve been doing to exercise more! I’d also love to know if you can think of any challenges/issues that you have with keeping to a healthy lifestyle, and if there’s anything you guys would like us to cover.
Photos by Kit Lee, Illustration by Natalie Ong.
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Great post! I am currently traveling and can feel the toll it’s been taking on my health. I can’t wait to get back home and start my daily healthy habits =o) Can’t wait to see what you have to share with us!
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Travel really does that doesn’t it? Its such an amazing thing to experience but it really does make you appreciate being home! I cant wait to share more with you!
I am such a routine person myself, I think it’s so comforting for me in such a fast living world. I would really love to learn something more about healthy and quick recipes, I have such a hard time thinking about a healthy and easy dinner sometimes!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Oh yay I’m excited to share with you some of my go-to recipes!! I am so into healthy eating and there’s no better opportunity than when you are cooking for yourself at home! xx
In the midst of a major health-kick-overhaul myself! Water and Sleep are the ones I constantly struggle with, I just don’t get enough of either unless i’m really watching out for them both!!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
That sounds so great! I totally agree, there’s a level of vigilance required sometimes but I think if you have time for preparation that really helps!
Very good plan, I already drink more than 7 glasses of water and I usually read before going to bed as my go-to-sleep routine. I believe the most difficult habit is the 5 fruit and veggies portions, do you have any suggestions to hit this number every day? I only eat fruit 2x a day and veggies in lunch and dinner, does that count?
Reading is the absolute best isn’t it?!? I think a portion is actually relatively small, a handful? And it’s better to have more veggies than fruit I think. More on this soon!
Reading is THE BEST TIP to sleep better! Even if I am super awake as soon as I start reading, 15 minutes in and I already feel sleepy, it’s great to put your mind in pause mode. Also, i agree with you, veggies are better than fruits so I am just going to fill my plate with veggies and I believe it’s very practical and healthy to take veggies to the beach – raw carrots are my favourite one!
I couldn’t agree more. The absolute worst is scrolling your phone before you go to bed, that always equals the worst sleep ever!! What are you reading right now?
Currently I am reading a book from a Portuguese Doctor, on the subject of anti aging medicine – how can we prevent deceases and age better by changing the food and nutrients we eat! What are you reading right now?
That sound so interesting! I am reading a book called ‘Depends What You Mean By Extremist’ by an Australian writer/comedian called John Safran. Very niche to Australia but v interesting! Just finished the Wife of Wallstreet which was so so bad. Hahaha.
Sounds very funny, maybe you could do a post about your favorite books or the strangest books you’ve read, I am always up for some reading suggestions!
Thats such a great idea! I need to do it. I’ve read so many books this year actually 🙂
I can’t maintain a strict health and fitness regimen for so long because whenever my environment changes, I look focus and get distracted. As per your question to us, what is the best way to maintain a health and fitness regimen while being on a trip?
http://www.uunderaytedray.co.uk
Thats HUGE for me, and I have to say I am getting better at it. But it requires so much commitment and it’s so easy to overindulge when travelling. I’m off on a trip in a month and will be putting some rules to the test!
i am in serious need of a health boot, for me it’s exercise and water i need to up in a big way. I’m the same, when i’m in a routine i’m fine, but once i slip i find it really hard to get back into it. The hardest thing is starting right!
Mel x mediamarmalade.com
Thats so true, and I’m excited to be working through the concept of routines – they matter so much but at the same time we need to work out how to be as head;thy as we can even when we aren’t in a routine, you know what I mean? 🙂
Oh I love this. In all honesty routine scares me so much, at the moment I’ve just finished University so I’m in that part of looking for a job but pretty much being free all day to do what I want, i.e- blog and see friends. I’m now petrified and feeling down that I’ll lose my freedom when I get a job and I won’t have time to create food or do my exercise or mindfulness when I feel like it. I guess when it comes to I’ll have to work hard to keep those in the balance, as you say it keeps you sane.
http://www.pagesfrombeth.blogspot.co.uk
I couldn’t agree more, as your life gets busy it’s hard to stay on track, but I think thats means you need it even more! Looking forward to sharing some tips and tricks with you so routine doesn’t seem so daunting. xx
I just went on a fitness reboot myself too! Starting is so much easier than keeping on though 🙂
Oh yes, thats sooooo true. Hahaha. I am going to remember that when writing the content!
definitely need to get myself out of this crazy funk I’ve been in for three weeks. a very well-timed post indeed!
Yayyyyy! I am so happy to hear that. Cant wait to share more!
Good for you girl!! You’re going to kill this challenge and feel so good on the inside and out!
Thanks Carrie! Thank you for the motivation!
this is the best blog on the internet. great, diverse content, lengthy articles, beautiful images. great job G!
Jennifer that is such a lovely thing to say. I really appreciate that you shared that – in the last few years I have worked hard to make the content better, so there’s always a reason to come here!
Nice! I love the ilustration!
Thank you so much!
I just got back from two trips and am in desperate need of a fitness reboot too. I really need to work on no phone before bed and getting 8 hours of sleep. I’ve been trying to break those habits for a while now and just can’t get out of it! Any suggestions?
Caitlin
wandererandwolf.com
I am so excited to share some tips with you on all these things, and talk you through how I make that routine work 🙂
This is such a COOL idea! I love it! Can’t get 8 hours of sleep though; I just can’t sleep for that long but this is really smart.
afomaumesi.com
The diagram is totally indicative, and it’s about doing what makes you feel right. I know my boyfriend prefers around 7 or 7.5, whilst I have friends who feel exhausted if they don’t get 9! So yes, it’s important to listen to your body. 🙂
Oooh I love this countdown!! I’m currently hitting between 6000 and 7000 steps so I’ve got some more work to do there… Also, I must really stare less at screens as I notice that I am starting to get headaches and that’s no good! I’m reintroducing the good old bedtime stories now! I’m looking forward to reading/seeing more about your health reboot! x http://www.justsavxnnah.com
Hitting the right amount of steps is actually quite hard, but having awareness of it is the first step (pun intended!) to getting up there. I try for between 9 and 10k, and it’s tricky but if you add steps in where you can – walk to work or to the next station, walk around a bit at lunch etc you can make it happen. Excited to share more with you!
I love that little diagram! It’s the perfect little reminder of what we should do everyday to maintain so varying levels of health! 🙂 And I know what you mean – traveling can definitely make your routines slip! Hopefully, we can get back in the game! 🙂
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Hi love, Thanks so much! I have really been enjoying working on little diagrams to properly explain what the post is about. I am so ready to get back into the game!
Thats such a great little chart and I love your fitness gear!
Tiffany Tales – Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Thanks so much! I am looking forward to sharing more!
I am in exactly the same place which is why TODAY I’m starting to work with a nutritionist (!!!). I eat well, exercise 2xs a week, but I work from home and having a consistent schedule is a little iffy. There’s a lot of distractions at home (mainly my husband, who also works from home) and that makes it even more difficult to stick to a schedule as I feel like I’m interrupted pretty regularly. I decided that I wanted to get serious about putting myself first and this nutritionist was recommended to me by my beloved Pilates instructor. She focuses more on getting these disorganized parts of my life in order and then helping build the habit of regular exercise and cutting the bad out of my diet. The food is secondary. Anyway, I’ve always done better with a coach or a little external motivation, so I’m really excited! Let’s get back to our New Years goals!!!
http://www.shessobright.com
I made my 2017 live better list in January and am planning to go through it again to see where I’ve made good advances–and what needs more work. A mid year review is a good way to acknowledge the things you’ve done well and figure out why you haven’t made advances in other areas.
For fitness, I’ve found some great workouts on youtube with Fitness Blender. They’re free and offer a bunch of no equipment workouts. Great for getting in a little something when you’re travelling.
I love the countdown – I am a big fan of the 2 hours of no screen time, but it’s so hard to stick to sometimes. I feel like I’m constantly consuming some kind of screen time in some way. It’s difficult to stay away from it!
Jess | TheVogueVoyager.com
I am in serious need of a health & fitness reboot, too! My work schedule has been very intense the past few months, and will be for a few months more, so I’ve really let my healthy eating, self care, and exercise habits fall by the wayside and it’s caused some pretty intense anxiety. I would love some tips for fitting these things into a busy schedule while still remaining sane!!
Girl, this post speaks to me on so many levels. I’ve been in need of this without even realizing it. I am here for both your journey, and mine. Thank you.
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