Author: Caitlin Suter, MS
When you find a healthy routine that flows well, provides results, and keeps your momentum up, it can be challenging to hold on to that momentum when you encounter situations that take you away from parts of your routine. But those situations don’t have to stop you from making progress or maintaining the results you’ve gained.
Keep in mind that this health journey is a lifestyle. It’s all about finding balance and creating habits that can be versatile for a variety of situations. The idea behind creating healthy habits is that you don’t have to think about these actions once they’re established.
Habits like drinking water, meditating, eating mindfully, controlling portions, and being active (just to name a few) can be done just about anywhere and in many different ways. If something really can’t fit into the time you have, think about what CAN fit and be easy on yourself during these times.
With this in mind, we’ve come up with a few scenarios that you may not have control over and ways you can still be in control of your health.
Scenario 1: Visiting a friend or family member in the hospital for an extended period of time
- Pack snacks from home
- Take advantage of the long hallways and stairs to get those steps in
- Practice meditation
- Keep your water bottle handy
- Find out what’s on the menu at the hospital cafeteria and plan ahead
- Stopping for food to and from? Practice mindfulness during your meal
Scenario 2: Work deadlines
- Give yourself mental breaks
- Get up and move during your breaks
- Stay hydrated
- Pack snacks from home
Scenario 3: Weather changes
- Dress appropriately
- Enjoy nutrient-rich foods
- Consider alternative exercises in-home or at a gym
- Incorporate more movement into your day
Scenario 4: A sick household
- Rest as much as you can
- Stay hydrated
- Be mindful
- Practice self-care
Whatever the situation, don’t get down on yourself for not being able to stick to your routine when it’s out of your control. Give yourself some grace, think about what you can control, practice self-care, and focus on the habits that will benefit you most during that time.
