I Want to Figure Out a Wellness Routine I Can Stick To

Need Help Prioritizing Your Health and Wellbeing? You’ve Come to the Right Place

Of course, you want to take care of yourself. But then there’s that urgent work call, that mountain of laundry, and the endless pings from the neighborhood group chat — all of which makes it easy for your health and wellness to fall to the bottom (or, let’s be real, off) of your to-do list.

If this is you, you’re in good company. In fact, 70% of millennial women struggle to make their health a top priority.  But we’re here to help. Let us know which scenario below more accurately describes your needs. Then, each day this week, we’ll nudge you toward small, impactful steps you can take to improve your wellbeing. 

Start Small — Like 5-Minutes Small

Between work, family, and the 275 open tabs in your brain, it can be easy for your own wellness to slip to the bottom of your to-do list — especially if you think creating a healthy routine will  mean overhauling your life. Here’s the thing, though: You don’t have to get up at 5 am. You don’t have to run 5 miles per day. Friends, you don’t have to journal. Instead, you can start small, be realistic, and create habits that’ll actually fit your schedule (not your aspirational Google Calendar version of it), which researchers say may be a better path to long-term success. 

To get started, here are some ways to easily find a few minutes for you: Stretch while your computer turns on; take a five-minute dance break in between work calls (we recommend any of these throwbacks); and practice the “4-7-8 breathing technique” while folding laundry.

All of these are examples of habit stacking — or, tying a new habit to something you already do — which many experts say is the best way to make lasting changes. You could also: do a meditation while waiting for your morning coffee to brew (we’re fans of this one); jot down three things you’re grateful for while reheating your lunch; or do a 10-minute yoga flow while catching up on The Last of Us.

Reclaim Your Time (Yes, You Have It)

So you found five minutes. That’s huge. Now let’s find 30 — which, we promise, is there. For starters, you could cut 15 minutes of scrolling (Instagram will survive without you). But you could also… 

• Say “no” to one thing this week. For those who haven’t yet been introduced, meet JOMO — aka the joy of missing out — which is when you intentionally disconnect or opt out in order to recharge. (Bonus points if you do so without feeling guilty or second guessing yourself.) 

• Delegate the stuff that drains you. That could mean asking your partner to bring the car in for maintenance or assigning trash duty to your kids. Or, if you have the means, it could be paying for weekly grocery delivery, a house cleaner, or a lawn care company — which has been shown to boost happiness and overall life satisfaction. 

• Rethink your commute. You may not be able to reduce the time spent traveling to and from the office — but you can turn it into something you look forward to (yes, you read that right). If you’re driving, use the time to chat with a friend, listen to an audiobook, or catch up on your favorite podcast. If you’re taking public transit, you can also do things like diving into that recently released Emily Henry novel or practicing a new hobby, like knitting.

Now Use Your Newfound Time Wisely

Look who carved out space. The next challenge? Using it for something you actually want to do — rather than completing yet another task. Thankfully, we have a few suggestions.

• Phone a friend. Or, better yet, hang out with a friend. Whether you invite your mom group over for wine and cheese or mindlessly yap on the phone with your college roommate, experts say that strong friendships play a vital role in your overall health and happiness and influence everything from your cardiovascular system to your immune system. 

• Laugh…a lot. Not that you need an excuse to watch those silly cat videos or Bridesmaids (again), but studies have shown laughter can decrease stress, depression, and anxiety — and may make you feel happier. So cue up an episode of Amy Poehler’s new-ish podcast, watch One of Them Days, or stream a new comedy special, like Mike Birbiglia’s The Good Life.

• Get better at doing, well, nothing. You may need a refresher, particularly if you’re someone who excels at keeping busy (*raises hand*). Start with the “so-what exercise” to reframe your thinking, then follow these other expert-approved tips and tricks.

The bottom line? Rest and joy are wellness, too.

Set Yourself Up for Longterm Success

Remember: You’re not building a perfect routine — you’re building a realistic one. Here’s a few ways to keep your momentum, even when you’re slammed. 

• Identify your daily non-negotiables. Think: One to three habits that make you feel most like you — whether that’s reading before bed, moving your body, or savoring a crisp afternoon Diet Coke. 

• Create your own “wellness menu.” Similar to a “dopamine menu,” this is a curated list of activities you actually enjoy — which can serve as a friendly nudge to choose those over alternatives that aren’t as rewarding. To go the extra mile, make menus that are 5, 15, and 30 minutes. That way, you’ll always have an option that fits your day.

• Make “if-then” plans. We probably don’t have to tell you that some days will be harder than others. So think about the roadblocks that are most likely to arise and create a plan to address each. For example, “If I’m too tired to exercise after work, then I’ll take a 10-minute, post-dinner walk.” You get the point.  

Want to keep these good vibes going? Skimm+ takes the guesswork out of what to do next. Join us here.