If you’ve ever tried to implement healthy routines but struggled to stay consistent, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s never too late to start and you can do this on any budget. Implementing small, intentional shifts can create long-lasting change. As a continuation from my previous post, Holistic Health 101: A Lifestyle Made Easy, let’s explore how to build and sustain easy routines that will help you feel joy and ease, rather than restrictive or overwhelmed from rigid and overhyped routines.
1. Start small and keep it simple.
It’s tempting to uproot your life overnight and throw caution to the wind, when you’re feeling motivated to start something new. But big drastic changes rarely stick. Why? Because there are no habits to support you when the motivating adrenalin has died down.
In order to support consistent healthy routines, build habits without thinking too much. Habit stacking is a great psychology trick to get you started. Otherwise, start small and begin with one or two simple habits that are easy to add or remove into your daily routine.
Try this:
- Instead of committing to an hour-long workout, start with 10 minutes of movement each morning.
- Swap one processed meal a day for a whole-food alternative.
- Set a consistent sleep schedule, even if it’s just getting to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Simplicity is key. The easier a habit feels, the more likely you are to keep doing it.
2. Prioritize nourishing meals.
If food is medicine, then you can expect that not all food will be pleasing to the tongue in the way an American diet might have you believe. I’ll be honest with you, the most challenging part of building a sustainable routine is the mental shift. It’s about mindfully making the choice to be comfortable with the discomfort of trying something new.
Treat food as medicine is more than a saying, it’s a lifestyle.
Tips for building a healthy relationship with food:
- Hydrate! Drinking water first thing in the morning and throughout the day supports digestion and overall well-being.
- Prioritize nourishing meals. This is a powerful tool for energy balance, emotional health, and digestion.
- Eat more means to Diversify your diet. Rather than restricting entire food groups, focus on incorporating a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
- Eat at consistent times each day. This helps regulate metabolism and digestion.
- Mindful eating. Eating without distractions can enhance food absorption, increase pleasure when eating, and body satisfaction.
Remember: Healthy eating is not about perfection. It’s about making small, mindful choices that work for your body and lifestyle.
3. Move your body.
Moving your body in a way that feels good might be a foreign concept for some people. Exercising shouldn’t have to mean grueling gym sessions or involving expensive gym equipment. Daily movement should be enjoyable and fit seamlessly into your daily life.
Easy ideas to move daily:
- Turn daily tasks into movement. Dance while cooking, stretch while watching TV, or take walking meetings.
- Try movement meditation. Practices like yoga, Tai Chi, or mindful walking combine movement with mental clarity.
- Find an active hobby you enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, tennis or boxing—if you love it, you’ll stick with it.
- Invite friends or family. Making movement social adds motivation and joy.
The goal isn’t to “work out” but to embrace movement as a natural part of life.
4. Create a sleep routine and reduce stress.
Rest and relaxation are just as important as exercise and diet. Without quality sleep and stress management, even the best wellness habits can fall apart.
Simple ways to improve sleep & reduce stress:
- Stick to a bedtime routine. Turn off screens 30 minutes before bed, dim the lights, and unwind with a book or meditation.
- Practice mindfulness. Deep breathing, gratitude journaling, or a few minutes of meditation can calm the nervous system.
- Set boundaries. Prioritize time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to things that drain your energy.
- Embrace nature. Spending time outside, even for just 10 minutes a day, can lower stress levels.
Holistic health isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you feel. Prioritizing rest and relaxation ensures you have the energy to sustain your routines.
5. Life should be enjoyable and flexible
A holistic lifestyle is about balance, not perfection. It’s okay to adjust, take breaks, and enjoy life without guilt.
Remember:
- Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. Even if you fall off track, you can always return to your routines.
- Listen to your body. Your needs will change. Stay flexible and adjust as necessary.
- Celebrate and document progress. Small wins add up. Acknowledge and track every step forward, no matter how small.
Holistic health is about feeling good in your body and life. The best routine is one that supports your happiness, well-being, and personal growth.
Final Thoughts: Building a Lifestyle That Lasts
The secret to sustainable wellness isn’t about strict rules—it’s about finding what works for you and sticking with it in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
My journey to creating sustainable routines.
I’ve been there myself. When I first started my wellness journey, I tried to do too much at once—new diets, different workouts, and strict meal plans. I’d always end up feeling overwhelmed and fall off track. I realized that the key was to make it easy and start where I was.
At one point, I was eating at inconsistent times, and it left me feeling sluggish and bloated. I decided to create a structure—choosing set eating times (10 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM). This rhythm helped regulate my digestion and energy levels. I noticed the most improvement when I diversified my diet and cut out added sugars and fast food for three months. Within the first month, I lost 10 pounds without feeling deprived.
Prepping simple meals helped me stay consistent. My go-to breakfast became rice, eggs, and kimchi, while dinner often included salmon and rice, homemade soups, or my favorite comfort food, Sancocho.
Maintaining a workout routine was a bit of a challenge, so I turned daily activities into opportunities to move. Instead of forcing myself to go to the gym, I danced while cooking, did light stretching while watching TV, and embraced yoga as a form of moving meditation.
But the dreaded stress took a toll on my energy levels. Through trial and error, I found that having a slow morning routine—with tea, journaling, and yoga—helped set the tone for my day. The game changer was when I began to prioritize sleep, ensuring I had at least 7-8 hours a night.
Although, I still have a lot to learn, I am extremely satisfied with the results. I have more energy, less pain, ease to my day, and I have developed a relationship with my body that feels effortless, loving, and predictable.
Your next step:
- Choose one small change from this list to start today.
- Stay curious. Try different approaches and see what feels best.
- Trust the process. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting transformation.
If you’re ready to create a holistic lifestyle that’s joyful, sustainable, and nourishing, start where you are and take it one step at a time.
Looking for more holistic wellness guidance? Let’s connect!