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 A bee & spider in Nakusp, B.C. A post regarding routines. The importance of them, how to get back into them and some of my own routines that might be able to help some of you. I apologize for the lack of content posted throughout these summer months. I have found myself out of routine, enjoying the laziness that comes without school and work. I am enjoying doing nothing but am ready to fall back into my wholesome lifestyle to encourage health and wellbeing to myself and all of you. Enjoy the heat, naps and treats but do not forget the significance of taking care of your body and how good it feels to be in the right place. Before I begin this article, I would like to acknowledge that it is healthy to take a break from your routine. When your routine falls apart due to circumstances out of your control, do not let this break you down. Many things in our life are uncontrollable. Falling out of routine allows your body to adapt to the new situation and learn many valuable skills. We as humans were put on earth to adapt, so don't let this little falling out take over you. Incorporating routines into your life provides many benefits to your holistic health. You should consider daily routines, morning and or night routines, to aid you in organization for a stress free lifestyle. You may already perform daily rituals without meaning to. This article is meant to help you create a new routine or amp up your old one to aid in your wellness. When you fall out of routine, remember the feeling of accomplishing a goal. Start small and slowly work yourself back into it. Maybe a long walk instead of running 5 km. Maybe some veggies with your sandwich at lunch instead of a salad everyday. Maybe waking up at 8 instead of 6. Don't push too hard. Let if flow naturally. Did you know it takes 21 days (although some scientists say 60) to turn a task into a habit? That is only 3 weeks until something you dread becomes a part of your everyday lifestyle. This has worked for myself in many habits I now do everyday (yoga, flossing, pushups). Try it and let me know what you think. Personally, I find myself lost without a routine. My days feel longer, I may feel out of place and I especially notice my tiredness arise. Don't get me wrong, holidays are great however; I find myself lethargic and irritable when I sleep in late or skip my morning regimen. The same goes for staying up late without my nightly routine of yoga, essential oils and meditation. I have found routines to help myself and others most when they are planned to balance our health and wellbeing. In other words, routines work best when they include items and tasks to aid in your personal journey of flourishing. This can be different for each of us. Our individuality allows each one of our body's to ask for different healing products and rituals. Aim to not compare yourself to others while creating your routine. You are you and nothing can change that. Creating a healthy morning ritual can encourage a positive mindset for the day. Every so often something in our live changes, whether that is your work shift, school schedule or off days. It is important to switch up your routine every once in awhile to see what works best for yourself. You want to find what helps you get through the day easiest. Do not be too hard on yourself and always allow for relaxation/you time!  Throughout summer, I love to shower in fresh water sources with this biodegradable shampoo and conditioner. This will not hurt anything living in the water and smells amazing!!! Here are some ideas I have found that made a large difference in my mornings to promote a day full of happiness, passion and love. I would start with a small list of goals you would like to accomplish each morning (feel free to switch around at any time). The nice thing about a routine is that is YOURS! Nobody else can change that. 1. MOVEMENT - This can be walking your dog, stretching in your living room or heading to your local gym. Whatever you find works best for your body, do it everyday, aiming for at least 30 minutes. Moving gets the mind and blood flowing, overall increasing your energy for the upcoming day. 2. CAFFEINE - Although I do not want to encourage that caffeine is necessary to get by each day, it does make a large difference in your energy levels. I aim for black/green tea or black coffee and a large smoothie full of micronutrients and antioxidants (VEGGIES). Find something that does not upset your stomach (and with a low amount of sugar) and you're golden! 3. WATER - This is important to start your digestive system and wake up your entire body. A full glass before and after breakfast is perfect. You can add lemon, lime, orange or mint to increase the taste. 4. PREPARATION - What do you need for your day? Lunch? Change of clothes? Shoes? Making a list can help you not forget anything. 5. CLEAN YOURSELF - This sounds sort of funny... but is very important to feel good all day! Whether it is a shower, washing yourself with a cloth, or putting on deodorant. Do whatever it takes for yourself to feel fresh and clean. I do believe the saying "When you look good, you feel good". 6. HEALTHY BREAKFAST - We aren't joking when we say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Without it, you may have a harder time losing weight, thinking straight and feeling your best. Opt for as much protein as you can from local farms, tofu or even protein shakes to kick start your day. Sometimes I wish I could have breakfast for every meal.  I will never stop loving lavender and it's healing powers for sleep. In addition to the importance of your morning time, we can't forget about our nighttime routine. Below are some ideas to ease yourself into a peaceful sleep. They are similar yet also different than the morning ones. If you want a more detailed pre-sleeping routine, please see my blog post titled "Life Of An Insomniac". 1. CLEAN YOURSELF - Going to bed with your makeup on can do detriments to your skin. Personally, I love falling to sleep fresh after a shower. Teeth and hair brushed, Vicks vapor rub under my nose and peppermint oil on my temples. Minty products make me feel extra clean from the tingling refreshment. Don't forget to lotion. 2. SLOW DOWN ON THE SCREEN TIME - I will admit this is hard for me to accomplish. The less screens = more time for your mind to relax. Set your alarm for the next day and place it far from your bed. This way you have to get out of bed to stop your alarm, waking you up even more. Instead of watching TV before bed, try to go for a small walk outside. 3. RELAXATION TIME - Explore with essential oils, yoga, reading and deep breathing. Allowing yourself to explore how your mind and body feel. I encourage you to think of 3 things your grateful for each night before bed. Expressing gratitude can encourage deeper love towards yourself, your life and the people who surround you. 4. DRINK SLEEPY DRINKS - To me, sleepy drinks are usually warm and contain no caffeine. Some ideas are, sleepy-time tea, chamomile, warm almond milk with turmeric and honey. Lavender and Valerian Root are great for relaxing yourself. Explore new flavours but don't forget to go to the bathroom before bed. To add to your morning and nightly routines, you may need daily routines as well. These can make your day go by faster and with ease. 1.ALWAYS CARRY A WATER BOTTLE 2. WALK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN 3. COMPLIMENT THOSE WHO SURROUND YOU 4. ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS (Water, flowers, bees, the sky) 5. SET ATTAINABLE GOALS 6. SMILE Here are some tips from my parents when I asked them what they include daily that could help others: -When making a to-do list, set scheduled times to finish the tasks or they might not get done -Reflective thinking of how lucky you are -Wake up to a happy mantra/saying to start your day off with a smile I hope you will notice when you fall out of routine and realize that it is normal. Don't let this falling out last too long, instead spice up your normal routine to encourage yourself to get back into it! If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns please don't hesitate to ask me. Thank you for reading how to flourish in routining. I hope this can help you too.
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