Kids all across the country have started the school year, and as you know, mine did as well. But school isn’t what this blog post is really about. It’s about the routine – ya know, getting up, going to school, doing homework, and repeating to bring about an expected end result of passing the grade and graduating? In the same way that going back to school means a new year and new beginning for the kids, this is the perfect time of year for the whole family to make it a new beginning and get into a healthy routine and work toward an expected result as well.
But let’s remember, kids don’t walk into school and take their final exams and hand in their final projects. It’s a process. It takes small steps, constant work, much preparation, and repetitive actions. We need to implement this same sort of philosophy in our daily lives to be healthier.
So, how do we get started?
Lay the groundwork. Make sure the cupboards and fridge help support your healthy habits. Get rid of junk food and soda. Keep fresh fruit in bowls on the counter, and wash and cut fresh veggies ahead of time and keep at eye-level in the fridge for easy snacking.
Plan ahead – in writing. Create your daily plan, from what time you will all get up, eat breakfast, workout, and so-on. Post it on the fridge or somewhere that everyone will see it on a regular basis. Check things off as you complete them for a sense of accomplishment in sticking to your plan.
Don’t get impatient. It is going to take time, to develop the habits of your new routine and to see results. Whether some of your family needs to lose weight, or wants more energy, or more stamina and endurance – these will all take time. Just know that each time, each day you follow through on your new healthy routine, you are stepping closer to your goals. Stay positive.
Celebrate victories. Pat one another, or yourself on the back for making some new, positive changes—no matter how small. Sure there will be days that don’t go as planned or you have a set-back. So what. Start fresh the next day. As you succeed, you gain self-confidence, which leads to greater success, and it will just continue. You are on your way. You and your family are getting healthier and stronger each and every day and adding years to your life! Don’t you dare slow down now!
I hope you had an awesome summer and Happy Labor Day! Are you ready to make a fresh start this time of year? Have you started? Let’s go!