For healthy habits that stick, make routines instead of resolutions.

For many people, the start of a new year is the time to reflect, reset, and refocus on health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to find balance, reduce stress, or better manage your time, the secret to getting positive new habits and resolutions to stick is to create healthy routines.

Consistent, healthy routines can help support physical, emotional, and mental health all year long. Read on to learn more about how healthy routines benefit seniors and caregivers, plus tips for sticking to new healthy habits.

What is a Healthy Routine?

When something is routine, it’s done automatically, without too much thought or worry. For example, you probably don’t have to think too hard about how to get to work or to the grocery store, because you’ve taken the same route so many times. It’s as if you’re on auto-pilot. You can listen to music or think about your day, and you’ll still get where you’re going.

Creating a healthy routine means putting good-for-you tasks on auto-pilot, too, so that they get done every day.

Chances are, you already have some healthy routines in place, like brushing your teeth at night. Or, perhaps you’re someone who naturally gets up at the same time every morning, or enjoys a daily walk with your dog.

Healthy routines generally include:

• Consistent sleep and wake times
• Incorporating movement and exercise into your day
• Good nutrition practices
• Time for reflection, meditation, or prayer

Benefits of Healthy Routines

Creating a daily routine for healthy activities gives you more than just the benefits of the activities themselves. For seniors and caregivers, there are plenty of additional benefits to healthy routines, such as:

• Less decision fatigue. When tasks are routine and automatic, there is far less to think about and fewer decisions to make. Consider tasks that are already part of your routine. You seldom have to decide when or how to brush your teeth, because it’s likely you that you brush your teeth around the same time and in the same way, every day.

• Predictability. For seniors managing health challenges, a consistent schedule that they can rely on can help set them at ease and reduce stress.

• Balance. A set, daily routine for important health-supporting tasks helps caregivers balance their personal needs and their loved one’s needs.
• Reduced stress and worry. When tasks are automatic, you don’t have to worry about them getting done. For caregivers, that means that when the unexpected happens – as it surely will –there is a healthy and familiar routine to fall back on.
• Greater well-being. Routines reduce worry and free up valuable mental energy for seniors and caregivers, so that they can focus on what’s most meaningful to them.

8 Great Tips for Creating Healthy Routines All Year Long  

1. Make it personal. There is no one-size-fits-all for healthy routines. Rather than copying another person’s routine, set up routines that fit with your schedule, responsibilities, and priorities.
2. Try “habit stacking.” An easy way to start a new, healthy habit is to make it part of a routine you already have. For example, if making coffee is part of your morning routine, try doing some stretches, or another healthy habit while you wait for the coffee to brew.
3. Start small. Starting with smallest possible version of a new routine will help avoid overwhelm. For example, if you plan to start a new exercise routine in the morning, try five minutes at first, and gradually increase the time over a few weeks.
4. Plan ahead. A little planning ahead can help keep healthy routines in place when the unexpected happens. That may mean having some healthy meals in the freezer, or a quick, go-to workout video saved for days when you can’t get to the gym or out for a walk.
5. Do just a little. When life gets hectic, healthy routines can fall by the wayside. A sure way to keep them in place is to do just a little. For example, if there isn’t time to meditate for 15 minutes, meditate for one minute.
6. Give yourself grace. Everyone has times when their best habits and routines fall away. Be gentle with yourself and look for small, manageable ways to begin again.
7. Make it enjoyable. If you find that your new routine is not enjoyable, adjust! If an exercise routine feels boring, for example, put on music you love, or try a different exercise.
8. Reward yourself! Reward yourself for completing a routine. A reward triggers a feel-good dopamine response and makes you more likely to complete your routine again. A reward might be a few minutes doing something you love, a sticker on your calendar, or it can be as simple as saying “go me” or “great job” out loud!

As you create new and healthy routines this year, remember that small, consistent changes go a long way! Here at Sunnyside Manor we’ve been committed to helping seniors and their families stay well with consistent care and personal attention for over three decades.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

When you have questions about senior living, we are here to help. Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier family-owned senior living community. The community features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehabilitation. Respite stays and palliative care are available in all neighborhoods.