In Tuesday’s post, I shared that I was in a bit of a rut, and wasn’t setting aside enough time for me. So today for my Healthy Habits post I want to share a glimpse into my new daily “me” routine that I’ve begun. It’s only been a few days that I’ve been following this religiously, but it has really already refreshed me and made such a difference in my daily outlook on life. :) So yay for that. Maybe you’ve been in a rut yourself lately, and these tips will help you!
Morning workout.
Right when I get up, around 7:30 because that is when Sam gets up, I change him, feed him, make myself an iced coffee, stay up with him for about an hour until his first nap, and then it’s my morning “me” time. I immediately hop on the bike for at least half an hour for my “bootycall.” Sometimes we’ll also go on a family morning walk, after he’s woken up from his nap, which I love too. Getting in some sort of cardio in the morning is so important and I have noticed makes such a huge difference in how the rest of my day goes. Starting the day off right and making sure I get some exercise in makes me happier and more energized. Plus, it gets the metabolism going, too. Win win!
Daily prayer/devotional/bible time.
This is something that has always been so important to me, but has fallen by the wayside in the past few months, with the craziness of newborn life. I’m being more deliberate in my every day and making sure that I make time for God, because He is always there! And how cool is that, right? I hate to say it, but I have definitely been neglecting God lately, which I know is a huge part of this rut I’ve been in. So I’m making sure to set aside some quiet time each day to spend studying the word and just really focusing on my relationship with God and prayer and meditation. This time is so important for me and centers me. It makes me a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Plus, I notice I’m generally a happier person when I do this. :)
Treat the weekend as a weekend.
Don’t work constantly throughout it. Set aside time to just spend doing something fun, as a family. No social media. No internet. No distractions.
Eat dinner together each night.
Put away all electronics and focus on each other. Talking and laughing around the dinner table over delicious food not only connects families, but also makes sure you don’t over-eat, because you are actually focusing on what you are consuming instead of mindlessly inserting food to mouth. Although, I have to admit, sometimes we’ll eat while watching Jeopardy. Because, well. Because we love Jeopardy! ;)
So there you go. A few of my favorite healthy habits that I’m incorporating into daily life. Living with more purpose is my ultimate goal, and with these daily routines, I’m well on my way, I can feel it!
What are some of your daily rituals that make you a better person? Share in the comments below! We can all learn from each other!
xo
Monica
Katie I’ve told you this so many times but I think you need to hear it again by reading your post. You’re a beautiful lady with a beautiful family and an inspiration to so many people. Chin up buttercup and I’m going to have to steal this routine. I’ve kind of lost myself with all the craziness of the summer!
Katie
Oh sweet Monica, thank you! You always say the nicest things. :)
xo
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
Love this! I told my husband this past weekend that I want to schedule (sad that I have to schedule!) a night or day completely free of us being on our phones or computers!
Katie
Hey, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in all of those things, if you have to schedule, then so be it! Good for you for actually doing that! That’s awesome. :)
xo
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
You are so so so right! We do need to set time aside no matter what for ourselves. And during this summer away from my boyfriend { about 3 months }, I’ve learned a few things about myself. Especially what makes me happy, which not so surprisingly happens to be being outside haha. But recently I’ve found such a happiness through yoga! It just makes everyday better for me :)
Katie
Girl, we’re the same way! I looooove being outside! It’s pretty much the best. :) Hence why most nights we’ve been eating “al fresco”- gotta take advantage of the great weather!
xo
Courtney B
You are the sweetest, momma! I love your “me” time! I especially love that you make time for bible study/devotionals! Having a spiritual escape is just as important as a physical one (exercise) and I sometimes forget that!
Katie
I love what you said- having a spiritual escape is just as important as a physical one! AMEN!
xo
Brittany
Love this. I don’t think I could get myself to do cardio before work, but I’ve definitely been making time to read a devotional every day. I can already feel the difference it’s making in my mood. Such a cute picture of your boys eating dinner. Also, JEOPARDY. My favorite program in the history of television.
Katie
YESSSS a fellow Jeopardy fan!!! Agreed. 1000000% agreed. It IS the best program in the history of television, amen.
xo
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
LOVE this post. :) I’m so glad you’ve set up this new routine and that it’s working well for you. I most definitely need some “me time” to be the best person. It’s a lot more challenging when you throw a baby into the mix, but by setting goals and making priorities, it can be done. I make “me time” every day by having some time in the morning with my coffee and devotionals as well as a little blog reading. I also consider it “me time” when I’m teaching my group fitness classes. I’m totally in my element, in my happy place doing what I love outside of being a mother and wife. And since having Hunter, I’ve really learned to unplug on the weekends and it’s done WONDERS for me. xoxo
Katie
YES, by setting goals and making priorities, it is definitely possible to have our “me” time! :) Love that you unplug on the weekends!
xo
Jamie
These are some great tips. I really need to start a morning routine that I can follow. Right now, my mornings are just random. Sometimes they’re lazy, sometimes I jump right into getting things done around the house. I need something stable to start my day with!
Katie
Girl, I kind of miss being able to have a random morning every now and then! Baby does not allow that ;) haha But yeah, it is really nice having a routine- I like it!
xo
Jessica N
Yup, me time is the thing that keeps us all sane! I was just telling my hubby that I need more me time, so then I can be happier and more productive! And I definitely think getting a little exercise in the morning totally sets the tone for the whole day!
http://www.floatonblog.com/
Katie
Me time definitely helps you be more productive, too, I’ve noticed! Good point! And yay for morning exercise. :)
xo
Carroll
What a great routine! I agree about morning workouts setting a positive tone for the rest of the day and Jesus Calling is my favorite devo. :) Thanks for sharing these ideas!
Katie
Jesus Calling is my favorite devo too! :) I read it every morning. <3
xo
Leslie @ With Love, Leslie
I loved this! My post today was about self cares and that’s basically “me time.” It’s so important for me to take time each day or else I turn into such a grump. I spend my me time reading or pampering myself. Even the little extra time in the morning to fix my hair counts as me time for me :)
Katie
I love pampering myself! It’s so important and helps with confidence, too!
xo
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I don’t think I’d be able to get through the day without inserting little burst of me time in there… even if that’s only 5 to 10 minutes of peace and quiet. My favourite time is definitely early in the morning and late at night, though. I like to wake up extra early and enjoy coffee, breakfast, journalling, and blog reading in peace before the day gets crazy, and then I make sure to shut down all work related things at around 8 PM and just spend my night doing whatever I want, whether that’s watching TV, reading, or having an at home spa night :)
Katie
Yes, I love everything you said! I only wish I could shut down everything around 8! It’s definitely something I’m working on and would love to be able to do, but with working from home, it definitely makes it more of a challenge! Thanks for sharing your awesome tips!
xo
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
I’m giving myself some me time tomorrow :) looking forward to it too!
Katie
So fun! I hope you enjoyed your “me time” :)
xo
Leslie @AnElephantinLondon
Katie, you are a fantastic person! I know this just from reading your blog. I so admire your readiness to change up your life every now and then for the better! I have a tip that might also help start your mornings a wee better:it’s called Notes from the Universe. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it. But you sign up on this site: http://www.tut.com/
and every morning you’ll receive inspirational and encouraging emails relating to your personal goals! I love waking up to these! Let me know if you do sign up :)
Katie
Aww Leslie, you are so so sweet! I checked out that site- LOVE it! Thanks for sharing :) I just signed up and am looking forward to my first little note :)
xo
Gina
You’re right, me-time is so important. My hubby is out of town this week for work, so I should really take advantage of my me-time while I can!