How long have you been saying you’re going to start running again? Personally I had been saying that for many, many months but for some reason I wasn’t getting back into it. It’s a classic dilemma–we keep promising ourselves we’ll get back into something but sooner or later we will realize that for some unknown reason it’s hard to follow through. The solution to this dilemma? Routines.
It’s so easy to get caught in the idea that it needs to be the “perfect time” to start whatever you might be putting off but in reality, there’s no “perfect” anything. Life is messy and doesn’t wait for everything to be lined up perfectly. The hard truth is that now is the best time to begin forming a good, healthy routine. If we don’t take action today, the cycle continues and we’ll be stuck in the same place tomorrow.
Especially during the start of the colder months, the temptation to lay in bed all day and do nothing (doom scroll) is becoming more and more tempting. Why would we go to the gym when we could be all cozy at home? Inevitably, the “I’ll do it tomorrow” mindset creeps in, and before you know it, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into “that’ll be my New Years resolution” and now you’ve yet to take that first step.
This is where the importance of routines comes in–consistency is key. When we set a routine, we are no longer waiting for “the perfect moment”. We are creating a structure that guides us to take small, positive steps each day. A solid routine, whether it’s your daily skincare or your workouts, has undeniable mental and physical benefits.
Regular activities like exercise, running, or walking boost cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase energy. Beyond the physical routines, such as creative activities, improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and easing anxiety and depression. A consistent routine also helps reduce disorganization and procrastination, shifting your mindset from “I’ll get to it” to “this is part of my day.”
Living in a small town as the tourism dies down and things get slower, the thought of movement drifts away… But a walk along the coast or a jog through the town’s scenic streets can have a huge positive impact on your well-being. By sticking to a routine, you improve your future health, with improved focus, reduced stress, and a sense of accomplishment. Starting is the hardest part, but routines lay the foundation for positive change, helping you grow mentally and physically. Join me, and go on that run.
