Creating the Best Daily Routine for a Healthy Life

Every day, how we feel can significantly impact our overall well-being and productivity. Personally, when I wake up and start my day out with good habits, my daily motivation and productivity soar. As someone who works from home, self-motivation is my constant companion, and I’ve discovered that a well-crafted daily routine is the secret to maintaining a productive mindset.

Throughout my 30-something years of life, I’ve done a lot of trial and error to uncover the best daily routine for a healthy life. I do this because I have a huge desire to feel my best every day. I think a lot of people don’t realize how crappy they can feel if they don’t focus on their health. As always, I like to do things in the easiest way possible. So, I will share little daily habits I have done that have helped me feel my healthiest and best self. With a few tweaks, these habits could work for you too!

The Foundation: A Consistent Wake-up Time

The cornerstone of any successful daily routine is a consistent wake-up time. Our bodies thrive on regularity, and by waking up at the same time each day, we align our internal clocks for optimal performance. It’s essential to ensure you get enough sleep, ideally 7-8 hours, to recharge your mind and body.

Morning Rituals to Kickstart Your Day

Once you’re up, the first hour of your day can set the tone for the hours to come. Establishing a morning routine that resonates with you is vital. For me, it begins with coffee and a few minutes of gentle yoga poses. I love my downward dog, cat-cow, and child’s pose. You will NOT find me willingly doing “happy baby though.” If you know you know. Find what works for you, though – it could be stretching, journaling, a brisk morning walk, or a workout.

Fueling Your Body: A Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast is often dubbed the most important meal of the day and for a good reason. It provides the energy needed to jumpstart your day. Opt for a balanced breakfast with protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. Avoid sugary cereals or pastries, as they can lead to energy crashes later on.

Some of my favorite breakfasts include:

• Protein smoothies: I mix up some bananas, Ritual protein powder, blueberries, and spinach and have a nice little meal. When I’m wanting something a little more flavorful, I will throw a Daily Harvest smoothie in the blender.
• Oatmeal: My typical oatmeal go-to includes bananas, almond milk, and frozen mixed berries from Sprouts.
• Perfect Bars: Costco has had Perfect Bars on sale for about $1.25 a piece the last few weeks, so we have been enjoying those. Last I checked the sale ended, though. Womp womp woooooomp
• Eggs: Sometimes, I’ll just scramble up some eggs and put them on toast with some spinach and then have fruit on the side. 

All of these breakfasts take about ten seconds for me to assemble and have relatively cheap and easily available ingredients. Try them out! I typically take a Ritual Vitamin with breakfast to ensure I have all the nutrients I need daily. I would highly recommend this one because it has clean ingredients and fills any nutritional gaps I might have. 

The Power of Movement: Exercise

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a game-changer for your physical and mental health. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout; a simple 30-minute walk, yoga session, or home workout can work wonders. Regular exercise boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

Right now, it’s been pretty nice outside where I live, so I have been going on about 30-minute easy runs in the morning. We have an exercise bike, so I will do an easy ride if the weather isn’t ideal to work out outside.

All this to say, if I am working out in the morning, I like to keep it pretty easy. Remember, doing some movement, even easy movement, is better than none.

Productivity Blocks and Breaks

As someone who works from home, I’ve found that structuring my workday into focused productivity blocks interspersed with short breaks is incredibly effective. It keeps my mind sharp and prevents burnout. Experiment with different work-rest ratios to discover what suits you best.

Mindful Eating for Sustained Energy

Lunch and snacks during the day should be nourishing and balanced. Avoid heavy, carb-laden meals that can induce mid-afternoon slumps. Instead, opt for protein-rich foods, fruits, and veggies. Mindful eating can help you savor your meals and maintain steady energy levels.

My favorite snacks include:

• Peppers and Ginger Dip: I buy those mini peppers at Sprouts, and then I dip them in this special dip I make. It’s kind of a spin on a TikTok recipe I saw. But I mix Trader Joe’s sweet ginger sauce, Chili Onion Crunch, and Everything but the Bagel seasoning. That combo is… *chef’s kiss*.
• Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is currently having its moment, and I am here for it. Ya know what is really good in cottage cheese? Grapes!
• Dried mango: So my current addiction is Sprout’s gummy bears. They are so good but also so full of absolute crap. Dried mango has really helped me out and given me what I want from the gummy bears without making me have a sugar headache afterward. If you try this snack, look at the ingredients and ensure it only says mango. You don’t want all that extra stuff in there.
• Cookie Dough Hummus: If you have more of a sweet tooth, check out my chickpea cookie dough hummus recipe for a healthy snack.

For my snacks and really any foods I eat, I always take a look at the ingredients to make sure I am getting something of quality. Of course, I’m not perfect all the time, but when there are simple swaps, it’s worth paying an extra dollar or two. 

Evening Wind-Down Routine

Just as your morning routine sets the tone for the day, an evening wind-down routine prepares you for restful sleep. I’d like to say I disconnect from screens and just do everything perfectly, but I don’t. While I watch TV and scroll a little TikTok occasionally, I try to read at least a chapter or two of whatever book I’m reading.

Reflect and Adjust

Your daily routine should be a flexible, evolving entity. Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t. Life changes, and so should your routine. Don’t be afraid to adapt to new circumstances or personal growth.

Final Thoughts…

A well-structured daily routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a customizable framework that empowers you to live your best life. As someone who has experienced the transformative power of daily habits, I encourage you to embark on your journey to discover the best daily routine for a healthy life. By prioritizing consistency, self-care, and productivity, you can unlock your full potential and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Start small, experiment, and watch as your new routine propels you toward a happier, healthier life.

Embrace the power of daily habits and begin crafting your ideal daily routine today. Your future self will thank you for it.