The fast pace of the holidays makes it seem as if there is no time for anything, much less for a routine. Between wrapping up work, keeping your kids entertained, shopping and Christmas decorations ,there is no better time than the holidays to stick to a routine. While chaos encircles us, our habits act as anchors, keeping our minds calm and focused, our bodies rested, and our family and home lives running smoothly. Hera are a few tips to be mindful of:
Adjust your routine accordingly
Its the festive season for a reason, your routine will have to differ from the one you have all year round. You’re probably off work, have your kids all day long or have extended family over. Adjust accordingly and if your routine change affects other people, let them know.
Keep it simple
Do not over complicate it, the simpler and more familiar the better. The most significant benefit of a routine is that it creates touchpoints throughout your busy days that inform your brain when familiar things will occur. A routine reduces stress for the entire family.
3 Holiday routine must haves:
Sleep. This one is always necessary but sometimes difficult to come by. It may appear difficult to get those 7-8 hours of sleep per night, especially during busy holidays. To keep things running smoothly, you and your family must make good, consistent sleep a priority. Sleep is essential for overall health, both mental and physical.
Maintain a morning routine. Try to gather your family for breakfast and go over everyone’s plans for the day. This simple habit gives everyone peace of mind that nothing is forgotten or overlooked.
Maintain mealtimes. Menu planning, food preparation, and regular cooking will save you and your family from endless fast food and take-out runs. Eating out all the time is not only unhealthy, but also costly!
Also see: Avoid the Sunday blues with a good wellness day routine