Have you ever gotten sick? Went on vacation? Had an impromptu visitor? Last minute project dropped on you that required immediate attention? How do you reclaim control?!
We have all been there and its called life.
Unfortunately, these normal life events can throw a huge wrench in our everyday systems and routines and can wreck our progress and make it incredibly difficult to get back on track. Here are 5 tips on how to restore your everyday routines without getting stuck in a recovery rut.
1. Don’t wait for the perfect time-reclaim control now!
Don’t wait until Monday to tackle vacation laundry if you got home from vacation on Saturday. Get a load in the washing machine as soon as you walk in the door. If you wreck your intentional eating on Friday night, get back to it Saturday morning with a hearty, healthy breakfast or protein shake. Don’t wait for Monday to reset.
2. Temporarily modify your goals
For example, if you are exhausted from being sick for two days, you could modify your normal intention of a 30 minute strength training workout. Maybe your new intention is, “I will move my body for 30 minutes today” and so you would get busy tidying the house or taking a walk.
Another instance could be, if you have a healthy eating goal but are trying to prioritize eating at home and are just home from an 8 hour road trip at supper time- make a sandwich, have a protein bar, or eat a can of soup instead of succumbing to a pizza or burger and fries.
3. Reward yourself for getting back on track
Set an intentional reward for yourself the first day you get back into routine. That may look like waking up without snoozing your alarm, getting a load of laundry done, and eating breakfast. Whatever set of actions you can get done that defines your current habit building routine.
Later, once you’ve achieved your desired goals, reward yourself with a special drink at the end of the day, doing a quick face mask before bed, or giving yourself an extra 15 minutes to scroll social media.
4. Plan ahead for it
Don’t want to fall into the post-vacation takeout trap? Stock your pantry with some easy, non-perishable meals before you leave. This way, you’ll have healthy options readily available when you’re unpacking and exhausted.
Packing a dedicated laundry bag for your trip will save you a headache later. Toss your dirty clothes straight in when you get home, avoiding a laundry pile-up.
Finally, set yourself up for a smooth return to your workout routine. Lay out your exercise clothes and pre-workout drink blender bottle for Monday morning. Seeing them ready to go will be a powerful visual nudge to stick to your fitness goals, even after a break.
These simple strategies will get you back into the swing of things quickly and help you avoid the post-vacation slump.
How can I plan ahead for unforeseen events, you ask? Have a few freezer meals always on the ready. When sick days, or other unforeseen events that take up your day arise, you have a plan to help you stick to your health and budget goals.
5. Start small-reclaim control with baby steps
Equally important to the other points- don’t try to tackle everything at once! Instead, focus on one small, positive action that reflects your normal routine. This could be part of a routine you’re aiming to build, or simply a familiar habit you want to re-establish.
Forget the pressure to jump back in headfirst. Start small! Maybe you can’t manage your entire devotional, but reading a single scripture is a fantastic start. Didn’t quite nail clean eating today? Take a walk – it’s still a healthy choice that puts you back on track.
These small, achievable actions will build momentum and make getting back to normal feel less daunting.
Just do one small thing. Often, that tiny action starts a snowball effect, leading to bigger accomplishments.
The hardest part? Simply starting. So take the plunge! No matter how far off track you feel, you can always get back on course. Small, deliberate steps – that’s the key. Just commit, and watch yourself progress!
Remember, getting off track happens to everyone and in a way, we should expect it and plan for it. Just because you let yourself relax and enjoy treats during vacation does not mean that is who you are now and you are going to continue that cycle when you are home. Get motivated and reclaim control of your life!
For more information on establishing routines and habits, check out the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear and my post here