Planning to Give Yourself Grace

When establishing a routine it is easy to expect perfection, I do by default too don’t worry! This is where I would challenge you to rework your thought process. We know our bodies need breaks, we’re human. It is important to schedule your maintenance days rather than waiting until you break down. This gives you more control over the situation and you may have an easier time getting re-adjusted to your routine. Everyone has bad days, weeks, months, the important part is that you keep going!

What do I mean when I say schedule your maintenance breaks? It looks different for everyone! Maybe you would benefit from taking a scheduled PTO or unpaid day off of work for a mental health day. Another example is leaving space in your workout routine for flexibility. You can optimally schedule rest days in between to utilize as rest or catch up days if your schedule is out of wack that week! Maybe even a scheduled weekly meal plan based on what your day to day looks like. Example; planning to pick up dinner on a night you have leg day because you know you won’t have the energy to cook. This is setting yourself up for success by planning ahead, while also planning to give yourself grace!

Your routine is important as it is what establishes your life! However your routine is going to look different than the person next to you and your breaks are going to look differently too. Thank about what your average week looks like and journal about how you feel each day. Look back over your notes after a month or so and do you see any re-occurring patterns? Maybe you are continuously missing your Thursday workout because you’re having to work over every Wednesday. Switch up your routine and make Thursday a rest day if possible. Don’t force yourself into an existing mold, create your mold!