Do you want to be more productive this year? Is it one of your New Year’s resolutions to get in better shape? Do you want to feel more energized mentally, physically, and emotionally? My answer to all of these questions is “Yes!” That’s why I’ve started implementing even more daily routines into my life. I know that for something to change, I have to be consistent. And one way to be consistent is to create daily routines and stick to them, so they become habits. If you answered “Yes!” to one or all of those questions too, keep reading for 25 daily routine ideas for 2022.
What are Examples of Daily Routines? 25 Daily Routine Ideas
Morning Time Daily Routine Ideas
- Do make your bed–It’s one of those things you probably hated doing as a kid and maybe don’t enjoy as an adult either. But there’s something about accomplishing a small task like making your bed first thing in the morning–it feels good to be productive right from the start.
- Don’t check your phone, social media, news, or emails–It can be so tempting to grab your phone first thing in the morning and catch up on the latest. However, think about this: the first things you read, see, and think about set the tone for your entire day. If you read something upsetting in the news or get a dose of Instagram jealousy right off the bat, your mind is already not in the best place.
- Do practice meditation, gratitude, blessings, etc.–Instead of hopping on your phone, take five minutes in the morning to think about good things. Set the tone for your day by considering what you’re grateful for, meditating to clear your mind of worries and stress, or saying a prayer to set your intentions for the day.
- Don’t forget to drink a glass of water–Before you eat or drink coffee, have a glass of water. There are many scientific benefits of drinking water in the morning, including improved mood, mental performance, weight loss, and healthier skin and organ function.
- Do eat a healthy breakfast–Once you have your glass of water, eat a healthy breakfast. Food converts into energy, and providing your body with nutrients first thing in the morning will improve your energy levels and focus throughout the day. Try my recipe for Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Blueberries!
- Don’t jump straight into work–Before you start work for the day, write or review your to-do list—set your priorities to help you stay on track. Planning out your day each morning or reviewing your plan from the evening before (more on that in the nighttime daily routine ideas) ensures you stay focused on the most critical tasks.
- Do stretch and get your body moving–Even if you don’t want to exercise in the morning, it’s still a good idea to move your body in some way. Stretching is an excellent option because it doesn’t take much time, and you won’t work up a sweat. Just do something to get your blood circulating!
Nighttime Daily Routine Ideas
- Do give yourself a set bedtime–Bedtimes aren’t just for kids! Giving yourself a fixed bedtime (and following it) trains your brain. Your brain becomes aware when it’s time for bed, and you will naturally begin to feel tired around that time. You can train your brain in the same way by waking up at a set time each morning.
- Don’t spend time on your phone or electronics–If bingeing Netflix is how you relax until you go to bed, I have some unfortunate news for you. Electronic devices, like your phone, computer, and TV, emit a strong blue light. It tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime and affects your sleep.
- Do listen to music–Listening to relaxing music in the evening and as you fall asleep has been shown to help people fall asleep faster and get better sleep.
- Don’t eat a heavy meal or drink a ton of fluids–While it’s okay to have a light snack or cup of decaffeinated tea before bed, don’t consume large amounts of food or drink. It can lead to acid reflux and having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Additionally, with all that food turning into energy, you’ll have a harder time falling and staying asleep.
- Do write your to-do list for the next day–Writing your to-do list for the next day before you go to sleep is a good way to empty your mind. Rather than mulling over all the things you have to do and stressing yourself out, make a list and let it go for the evening.
- Don’t exercise too late in the night–It’s okay to exercise in the evening after work or school if that’s what works best for you. Just be careful not to exercise too late into the night. Working out raises your body temperature and heart rate, waking up your body, which is not what you want when you’re trying to relax and sleep.
- Do create a hygiene ritual–You’re doing this already, but make it part of your evening routine. Wash your face, brush your teeth, do your skincare routine, whatever you like to do before bed.
- Don’t forget to relax–This is an important one! It’s also one that’s all too easy to forget to do, especially if you work late or are busy getting your kids ready for bed. But don’t forget to relax. Read a book. Meditate. Stretch. Take a bath. Do something to calm your mind and body and decompress from the day.
Health and Fitness Daily Routine Ideas
- Do find a workout program to follow–If you want to make your fitness a priority, the first thing to do is find a workout program you’re excited about. There are so many types of fitness programs out there; find one that works for you. Maybe it’s the #ALFitCrew App, where I help busy women build strong, toned, and confident bodies with home workouts that fit into their schedule. If you struggle to find the time, desire, or motivation to exercise, you’re not alone. And you’re exactly why I designed my online fitness program. Learn more about what’s included with the #ALFitCrew App!
- Don’t forget your “why”–Remembering your “why” is essential to sticking to a health and fitness routine. Why do you want to be healthy? Maybe you want more energy throughout the day. Or, maybe you want to keep up with your kids on the playground. Maybe you want to boost your mood and fight negative thoughts and feelings. Decide your “why” and keep it at the forefront of your mind.
- Do find an accountability partner– Whether you have someone who goes to the gym with you or an online fitness group to cheer you on, you need people in your corner.
- Don’t buy sweets and junk food–If it’s in your house, it’s much more tempting to eat it. If you want to omit certain foods from your diet, it’s time to stop putting them in your cart at the store and taking them home. Even if you think, “I’ll buy it now and save it for another time,” the temptation is there. Do yourself a favor and wait to purchase it when you’re ready to eat it.
- Do find delicious recipes for meal prep–Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t have delicious food! I prioritize my health and still eat my favorite meals. I bulk cook and prep my meals to make it quick and easy to choose healthy options. You can find some of my favorite recipes and food prepping strategies in this blog post.
Self-Care Daily Routine Ideas
- Do try new things and adopt new hobbies–One way to care for yourself is never to stop learning and growing. On your weekend or days off, do something new, whether it’s trying a new recipe, finding a hobby, taking a class, or going on a new hike.
- Don’t mistake everyday tasks for self-care–Your shower isn’t self-care. Sure, it’s good for you and relaxing, but don’t mistake daily tasks for self-care. Self-care means going above and beyond for yourself. It means doing something you might not do every day, and pampering yourself a bit.
- Do get the whole family involved–Self-care isn’t just for busy moms or over-worked businesswomen; it’s for everyone! Get the entire family involved in self-care, whether that means going to the park with the kids, browsing the weekend farmer’s market with your sweetheart, or taking a Sunday drive with your bestie.
- Don’t bring your work home with you if you can help it–You need a break. You deserve it. Give yourself a hard stop-time from work. And, if you can, keep your work at work so your home life can be a relaxing, stress-free environment.
- Do move–Movement is good for you! Movement is self-care. I’m not talking about your weekly workout routine because that can sometimes feel like a have-to. I’m talking about finding want-to ways to move. Go on a sunset hike and marvel at the beauty of nature! Ride bikes by the ocean! Dance in your living room to your favorite throw-back tune! Whatever you do, move!
