Can a daily routine really change my life?

Many people reject routines because they would rather be adventurous, go with the flow, and keep their schedules open-ended. But there’s something to be said about keeping a routine: It can improve your health, well-being, and productivity.

In the book, The Miracle Morning ultra-marathoner and author Hal Elrod details ways to transform the lives of readers and wake up each day with more focus, energy, and motivation.

“How you wake up each day and your morning routine (or lack thereof) dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life,” he says.

Focused and productive mornings carry over to successful days, and ultimately successful lives.

There are many ways to get into a routine, but the number one rule is to make it work for you.
Just because a routine works for your friend or family member doesn’t mean it’s the best for you to take.

Here are some tips to keep a daily routine:

Bedtime Habits:

Go to bed and wake up each day around the same time. This is the first step to start a routine. By going to bed at the same time, you’re programming your body to get into a ritual of sleeping a set number of hours. People have different sleep patterns that allow them to function throughout a day. When you feel energetic, studies suggest that self-esteem rises. But feeling tired can have…you guessed it…. the opposite effect!

In order to fall asleep at night, studies show that turning off all electronic devices (computers, phones, tablets) at least 30 minutes prior to getting into bed allow your eyes to relax and catch a break  from the stimulation of a lit screen. So read a book, write in a journal, or write out your to-do list for the following day.

****BONUS: Using your hot tub 60 to 90 minutes before you go to bed will cause a variation in body temperature to happen this signals your body that it is time to sleep.

When you wake up in the morning and want to feel energized and ready for the day. If you don’t have the internal alarm clock of a 1st grader (5am weekend wake up call anyone?) set an alarm with your favorite music to wake up to, set an intention or goal for the day before you even lift your head from the pillow. Determine what it is you want to accomplish or feel throughout the day.
A daily meditation practice, even if it is brief, can help us feel grounded, at-ease, and more prepared for the day.

****BONUS: Soaking in a hot tub provides the same benefits as meditation. According to Dr. Bruce Becker’s research “the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system – fall into balance when the body is immersed in warm water.”

Eating Habits:

Health coaches say an eating routine shouldn’t be strict or like you’re being forced to do something. Our bodies respond really well to repetition even when it comes to eating. It’s like muscle memory but for our stomachs. Once you wake up, drink a glass of water and try to incorporate protein into your breakfast. Protein helps us feel satisfied throughout the day. Consider oatmeal or quinoa with bananas, almonds, and a little honey for a healthy, easy, low-cost start to your day.

Exercise Habits:

Here is your mantra “Move more today!” Physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve balance and coordination, aid weight loss, and improve sleep habits and self-esteem. One in four Americans do not get any exercise at all (shocker!) But its been shown that when persistently tired people exercised for just 20 minutes a day, three days a week for six weeks, they felt they had an increase in energy.

Find a program that works best for you. For some people that means taking an hour long fitness class four times a week. For others it’s a long run twice a week, and for others it’s a daily walk with friends. Try out different things! Different studios, teachers, classes, podcasts, and apps to determine what suits you best. Whatever path you choose, just remember “Move more today!”

****BONUS: Soaking in your hot tub after exercise can reduce swelling and inflammation, thanks to the warmth and pressure of the water. Your spa jets take this benefit a step further by offering targeted hydro-massage. 

Conclusion

Take time for yourself and keep a routine in your sleep, eating, and exercise.
These are three super helpful for living a healthy and balanced lifestyle AND adding a hot tub to your daily routine will only enhance the benefits of your daily routine!