How to set up a wellness routine and stick to it?

9 easy strategies that will keep you going with your wellness routine week after week.

set up wellness routine that sticks

How to maintain a wellness routine - 9 best tricks

"I started so well, but then I got busy and forgot about it."


"I'm asking myself why haven't I sticked up to my yoga routine now that it felt so good after a long time."


Sounds familiar?


Discover how to create yoga and wellness routines that you'll stick to for the long term.


Follow these 9 steps to build habits that promote health, happiness, and inner balance.

set up wellness routine

TLDR; 9 best tricks for maintaining wellness routine

1. FIND YOUR WHY


Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your wellness and yoga practice. Whether it's reducing stress, increasing flexibility, or improving overall health, having clear goals will help you stay motivated.



2. POWER OF ATOMIC HABITS


Start Small: Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to do too much too soon. Start with a simple routine that you can easily integrate into your daily life. This could be as short as 10-15 minutes of yoga or mindfulness meditation each day.



3. IT’S ABOUT SCHEDULE AND ROUTINE, NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR INSPIRATION


Schedule It: Treat your wellness practice like any other important appointment. Set aside specific times in your day for yoga and wellness activities, and stick to them as much as possible. Consistency is key to forming habits.



4. ROUTINES ARE BORING? TRY THIS


Mix It Up: Keep your routine interesting by incorporating a variety of yoga styles, meditation techniques, and wellness activities. This will prevent boredom and help you stay engaged with your practice.



5. ATHLETES DON’T QUIT AFTER A SETBACK, NEITHER SHOULD YOU


Be Realistic and flexible: Understand that there will be days when you don't feel like doing yoga or wellness activities. It's okay to skip a session occasionally, as life can be unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when you're unable to stick to your routine as planned. Instead of getting discouraged, be flexible and willing to adapt. Be gentle with yourself and get back on track as soon as you can.



6. GET THAT DONE [x] MARK – HOW HABIT TRACKING CAN HELP YOU


Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to record your yoga and wellness activities. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly motivating and help you stay committed to your routine.



7. ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP


Find Accountability: Partnering with a friend or joining a yoga class can provide accountability and support. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can help keep you motivated, especially on days when your own motivation is lacking. Coming soon: Sinimalism Online Yoga Community for accountable yoga - subscribe below to newsletter to be the first one to know.



8. THE ROUTINE IS FOR YOUR WELLNESS, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY


Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after your yoga practice. If something doesn't feel right, don't force it. Modify poses as needed and always prioritize safety and comfort.



9. REWARD YOURSELF REGULARLY


Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Whether it's holding a challenging pose for an extra breath or consistently practicing yoga for a week straight, recognizing your progress will help reinforce your commitment to your routine.


Step by step guide to set up your wellness routines to stick

Now you know the steps, cool, but how to actually start living it?

How to actually ask yourself "why" so that the answer isn't just "well, to feel better and I shuold stretch in the morning".

As that won't get you up from bed when you just want to press snooze and you feel good enough not to stick up with the routine that prevents future pains.

1. Find Your Why - Goals and purpose gets you through the unmotivated moments

FIND YOUR WHY

In the journey towards building sustainable yoga and wellness routines, discovering your underlying motivation is crucial. Before delving into the physical aspects of practice, take a moment to reflect on why you are embarking on this path. Finding your "why" serves as the foundation upon which you'll build your goals and aspirations.

Understanding Your Motivation


Reflect on Your Intentions: Consider what draws you to yoga and wellness practices. Is it to alleviate stress, cultivate inner peace, enhance physical fitness, or achieve a sense of balance in your life? What is the feeling you aim to achieve? Understanding your intentions will guide your journey.


Identify Personal Benefits: Think about the specific benefits you hope to gain from your practice. Whether it's increased flexibility, improved mental clarity, or a stronger connection to your body, identifying these benefits will help you stay focused and motivated.

Setting Clear Goals


Define Your Objectives: Once you've identified your motivations and desired benefits, translate them into clear, actionable goals. For example, if your goal is to reduce stress, you might aim to incorporate mindfulness meditation into your daily routine instead of a cortisol-inducing HIIT workout, right?


Make Your Goals SMART: Ensure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This framework provides clarity and accountability, making it easier to track your progress and stay committed.

Cultivating Meaningful Practices

Align with Your Values: Choose yoga and wellness practices that resonate with your values and beliefs. Whether it's through asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork), or meditation, find practices that feel authentic and meaningful to you. It's your life and practice, it should feel nice and not an external must.


Stay Connected to Your Why: Regularly revisit your motivations and goals to stay connected to the deeper purpose behind your practice. When faced with challenges or setbacks, reconnecting with your "why" can reignite your passion and drive.

TIP: set a weekly or daily reminder of your WHY to your phone which you defined above.

2. Power of Atomic Habits and butterfly effect

SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT

In the pursuit of building sustainable yoga and wellness routines, harnessing the power of atomic habits can be transformative. Atomic habits, as coined by James Clear in his book of the same name, are tiny changes that yield remarkable results over time. By starting small and focusing on incremental improvements, you can lay the groundwork for lasting change in your life.



Understanding Atomic Habits

The Compound Effect: Just as small deposits compound over time to yield significant returns in finance, small actions compounded over time lead to remarkable outcomes in personal growth and well-being. Embracing the concept of atomic habits allows you to leverage the power of consistency and incremental progress.


Breaking Down Behaviors: Atomic habits involve breaking down larger behaviors or goals into smaller, manageable actions. By focusing on the smallest units of behavior, you make it easier to initiate and sustain change.


Starting Small - The 2-minute rule

Embrace the 2-Minute Rule: The 2-Minute Rule, another concept from James Clear's book, suggests starting with an action that takes just two minutes to complete. For example, commit to practicing a single yoga pose or taking three deep breaths as a form of mindfulness meditation.


Build Consistency: Consistency is key to forming habits. By starting with a small, manageable routine, such as 10-15 minutes of yoga or mindfulness meditation each day, you create a foundation for consistency. Focus on showing up every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.


BUTTERFLY EFFECT:

A daily five-minute morning yoga routine can spark a chain reaction of energy and mindfulness, transforming your well-being over time.

how to set up consistent wellness habit

3. Schedule and Routine, Not Inspiration

You don't wait for inspiration to brush your teeth, why would you do it with your wellness routine?

In the realm of building sustainable yoga and wellness habits, relying on inspiration alone is unreliable. Instead, prioritizing schedule and routine establishes a solid framework for consistency and progress.



Embracing Structure

Treat it Like an Appointment: Just as you wouldn't miss a crucial meeting or appointment, prioritize your wellness practice by scheduling it into your day. Assign specific times for yoga and wellness activities, and commit to them as you would any other important commitment. Other way to see it more relaxed: Do it as brushing your teeth; you do it every day without thinking too much whether you are inspired for it or not, right?


Consistency Breeds Habit: Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation. By adhering to a regular schedule for your wellness practice, you reinforce the behavior and make it a natural part of your routine.


Establishing Rituals

Find Your Trigger: Identify a specific cue or trigger that will prompt you to engage in your chosen wellness practice. Whether it's setting a reminder on your phone, linking your practice to an existing habit, or designating a specific time of day, establish routines that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.


Subscribe below to join soon launching Sinimalism online yoga commmunity - simplicity to keep you accountable.


Anchor Your Practice: Pair your wellness practice with existing habits or activities to anchor them in your routine. For example, if you consistently drink a cup of tea in the afternoon, use that as a cue to engage in a brief meditation session.

Overcoming Resistance

Commit to Showing Up: Understand that not every day will feel inspired or motivated, and that's okay. The key is to commit to showing up for your practice, even on days when you don't feel like it. Often, the act of starting is the hardest part.


Focus on Process Over Inspiration: Shift your focus from waiting for inspiration to embracing the process of habit formation. Trust in the power of routine and consistency to propel you forward, even when motivation wanes.

Cultivating Discipline

Prioritize Self-Discipline: Cultivate a sense of self-discipline and responsibility towards your wellness practice. Honor your commitments to yourself as you would to others, recognizing that your well-being deserves the same level of attention and dedication.


Stay Flexible, but Committed: While it's important to remain flexible and adaptable, avoid using flexibility as an excuse to deviate from your schedule consistently.

Your well-being deserves the same level of dedication as you would show up to an appointment with others.

4. Routines are boring - try this

Move your body the way that brings you joy.

Routines may seem dull, but they don't have to be! Try these methods to spice up your routine to inspire showing up.


Don't like your routine? Change it like this

Explore Different Yoga Styles: From dynamic vinyasa flow to restorative yin yoga, there's a multitude of yoga styles to suit every mood and need. Experiment with various practices to discover what resonates with you and keeps you inspired. And nope, you don't need to do sun salutations every single day if that doesn't resonate to you.


Dive into Meditation Techniques: Meditation is not one-size-fits-all. Explore different meditation techniques such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, or visualization to cultivate a diverse mental toolkit and keep your practice dynamic.


Awaken you child-like curiosity

Attend Workshops and Retreats: Immerse yourself in the wisdom of seasoned practitioners by attending workshops and retreats. These immersive experiences offer opportunities to learn new techniques, deepen your practice, and connect with like-minded individuals.


Try Alternative Wellness Activities: Expand your wellness repertoire beyond yoga and meditation by exploring alternative activities such as tai chi, qigong, pilates, dance therapy, or nature walks. Adding variety to your routine can spark creativity and invigorate your body and mind.


Creating Themes and Challenges

Theme Your Practices: Inject novelty into your routine by incorporating themed practices. Whether it's focusing on heart-opening poses for self-love or dedicating a session to balance and stability, infusing intentionality into your practice adds depth and meaning.


Set Personal Challenges: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone by setting personal goals or challenges. Whether it's mastering a challenging yoga pose, meditating for longer durations, or committing to a daily gratitude practice, embracing challenges keeps your practice stimulating and rewarding.


Tune in to organized yoga challenges: Subscribe below to be the first one to know of Sinimalism yoga challenges to join community to practice together for a given time for a yoga challenge.

Staying Playful and Spontaneous

Play with Props and Modifications: Experiment with props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, or even household items to enhance your yoga practice. Likewise, don't hesitate to explore modifications and variations of poses to keep things interesting and accessible.


Listen to Your Intuition: Allow spontaneity to guide your practice from time to time. Tune into your body and intuition to discern what it truly craves, whether it's gentle movement, deep relaxation, or spirited playfulness.

Routine doesn't mean boring, it means fun activity that you make time regularly for

5. Being realistic and flexible-minded

Bend, don't break - flexibility of the mind is the key

Life's journey is full of twists and turns, and setbacks are simply part of the ride. Just as athletes don't throw in the towel after a stumble, neither should you. Instead, cultivate a mindset of resilience, realism, and flexibility to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road of your wellness journey.


Imperfection is life

Acknowledge the Ebb and Flow: Recognize that life is unpredictable, and there will be days when you simply can't muster the energy or motivation for your wellness practice. It's okay to experience setbacks and temporary lapses in your routine—it's all part of the journey.


Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself during challenging times. Instead of berating yourself for missing a session or falling short of your goals, offer yourself kindness and understanding. Remember that you're human, and it's natural to encounter obstacles along the way.


consistent wellness routine

Flexibility and Adaptability

Stay Flexible: Embrace flexibility in both body and mind. While consistency is important for building habits, it's equally crucial to remain adaptable and open to change. Be willing to adjust your schedule, modify your practices, or explore alternative approaches when life throws curveballs your way.


Adapt to Circumstances: Life's demands and priorities may shift unexpectedly, and that's okay. Instead of rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan, learn to adapt to changing circumstances with grace and resilience. Find creative ways to weave your wellness practices into the fabric of your life, even amidst chaos and uncertainty.


Cultivating Persistence

Persist Through Challenges: Approach setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Just as athletes use setbacks as fuel to propel them forward, view challenges in your wellness journey as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Stay committed to your long-term goals, even in the face of adversity.


Progress, Not Perfection: Shift your focus from perfectionism to progress. It's okay if you don't progress everyday or even have some setbacks. Then you just get back on track an re-set your compass to correct direction.

Perfection is the enemy of progress.

6. The Satisfaction of Getting Things Done - How Habit Tracking Can Help Your Progress

We manage what we monitor.

In the pursuit of wellness, tracking your habits isn't just about marking checkboxes (although it's also awesome); it's about harnessing the power of progress to propel you towards your goals. Dive into the world of habit tracking and discover how this simple practice can supercharge your wellness journey.


The Power of Progress Tracking

Visualize Your Success: Habit tracking provides a visual representation of your progress, allowing you to see how far you've come and how much closer you are to your goals. Each checkmark or entry serves as a tangible reminder of your dedication and effort.


Stay Accountable: Tracking your habits holds you accountable to yourself. When you record your activities, you commit to showing up for yourself and your well-being. Knowing that you'll have to log your progress encourages consistency and discipline.



habit tracking wellness

Choose Your Tracking Method

Journaling: Keep a dedicated journal or notebook where you can record your daily yoga and wellness activities. Include details such as the duration of your practice, the type of yoga or meditation you engaged in, and any insights or observations you had during the session.


Digital Apps: Explore habit-tracking apps that allow you to monitor your wellness activities conveniently from your smartphone or tablet. These apps often come with features such as reminders, goal-setting capabilities, and visual progress charts to keep you motivated and on track.


Here are some good options for habit tracking apps:

iPhone users: Streaks

Android users: HabitNow

Detailed Data: Way of Life

Daily Planning: Habitify

Gamified habit tracking: Habitica


Celebrate Milestones


Habit tracking serves as a powerful tool for monitoring your wellness activities, staying accountable to your goals, and celebrating your progress along the way. Whether you prefer the simplicity of journaling or the convenience of digital apps, find a tracking method that works for you and integrate it into your daily routine.

People do not decide their futures.

They decide their habits and their habits decide their futures.

7: The Power of Accountability: Thrive Together

Knowing that your presence matters to your instructor and fellow practitioners can inspire you to show up consistently and give your best effort.

In the pursuit of wellness, accountability is a potent catalyst for success. Whether you're striving to maintain a consistent yoga practice or adopt healthier habits, finding a supportive community or accountability partner can make all the difference.



Harnessing the Strength of Community

Partner with a Friend: Enlist the support of a trusted friend, family member, or colleague who shares your wellness goals. By holding each other accountable, you create a powerful support system to keep you motivated and accountable.


Join a Yoga Class: Participating in a yoga class or group provides built-in accountability. Knowing that your presence matters to your instructor and fellow practitioners can inspire you to show up consistently and give your best effort.


The Benefits of Accountability

Increased Motivation: When you know that someone else is counting on you, it can provide an extra boost of motivation on days when your own drive is lacking. The accountability of a partner or group helps you stay focused and committed to your wellness goals.


Built-in Support System: Accountability partners and community members offer encouragement, guidance, and empathy as you navigate your wellness journey. Sharing successes, setbacks, and challenges fosters a sense of camaraderie and support that bolsters your resilience.


Introducing Sinimalism Online Yoga Community

Joining an accountability group takes your wellness journey to the next level. Sinimalism Online Yoga Community offers a supportive environment where members can connect, share experiences, and hold each other accountable on their yoga and wellness journeys.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter


Be the first to know when Sinimalism Online Yoga Community launches by subscribing to our newsletter. Gain access to exclusive content, yoga courses, community updates, and special offers designed to support your wellness goals.

Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to results.

8: Tune In to Your Body: Your Ultimate Guide to Wellness

It's better to take things slow and steady than to rush ahead and risk hurting yourself.

Let's talk about something super important: listening to your body. Your body is like your own personal GPS on this journey to wellness, and tuning in to its signals is key to staying safe, comfortable, and in sync with your practice.



Why It Matters

So, why should you bother listening to your body? Well, think of it like this: your body is constantly sending you messages, whether it's a little twinge in your back during a yoga pose or a feeling of fatigue after a long day. By paying attention to these signals, you can avoid injury, prevent burnout, and ensure that your wellness routine is actually benefiting you.



Trust Your Instincts

Here's the thing: nobody knows your body better than you do. You're the expert on how it feels, what it needs, and when it's had enough. So, trust your instincts! If something doesn't feel quite right during your yoga practice, don't ignore it. Instead, take a moment to assess what's going on and make any necessary adjustments.


Modify and Adapt

One of the beautiful things about yoga is that it's incredibly adaptable. If a pose doesn't feel comfortable or accessible to you, there's no shame in modifying it to better suit your body. Whether it's using props like blocks or bolsters, or simply adjusting your alignment, modifying poses allows you to tailor your practice to your unique needs. You are also moe likely to show up regularly when you do things with self compassion and nurturing yourself.


Pushing yourself too hard or ignoring your body's signals can lead to injury and setbacks. Remember, it's better to take things slow and steady than to rush ahead and risk hurting yourself.

Listen to your body, so you're not forced to.

9: The Art of Celebrating Your Wins

Take a look behind and see the staircase you've already climbed.

It's time to give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate your successes, big and small. Whether you've mastered a tricky yoga pose or simply showed up for your practice every day this week, taking the time to acknowledge your achievements can do wonders for your motivation and mindset. It's easy to keep on pushing forward to the next goal, but take a look behind and see the staircase you've already climbed.


Why Celebrate?

Why bother celebrating your successes? Every time you acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, you're reinforcing positive behaviors and boosting your confidence. It's like giving yourself a little mental high-five and saying, "Hey, I'm doing awesome!" Plus, celebrating your wins helps to create a sense of momentum and excitement that keeps you motivated to stick with your routine.


Small Victories Matter

When it comes to celebrating your successes, no achievement is too small to be celebrated. Whether it's holding a challenging yoga pose for a few extra seconds or finally mastering a breathing technique, every step forward deserves recognition. By acknowledging even the smallest victories, you're reinforcing positive habits and building a strong foundation for long-term success.


Find Your Celebration Style

Everyone's idea of celebration is different, so find what works best for you! Maybe you treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath after a particularly challenging yoga session, or perhaps you indulge in a delicious smoothie bowl to reward yourself for a week of consistent practice. Whether it's a small treat, a moment of self-care, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your progress, find ways to celebrate that resonate with you and make you feel good.


Share Your Wins

Don't be afraid to share your successes with others! Whether it's posting about your achievements on social media, sharing them with friends and family, or simply journaling about them for yourself, sharing your wins helps to solidify them in your mind and build a sense of community around your wellness journey. Plus, celebrating with others can be incredibly uplifting and inspiring, motivating you to continue pushing forward.


Listen to your body, so you're not forced to.

Congratulations, wellness warrior, you've journeyed through nine chapters of wisdom, inspiration, and practical tips to elevate your wellness routine!


From embracing the power of atomic habits to celebrating your wins, you've armed yourself with the tools and mindset to thrive on your path to well-being.


Remember, wellness isn't about perfection—it's about progress.


So, keep showing up, stay flexible, and listen to your body along the way.

So, go ahead, embrace the journey, and let your light shine bright. You've got this, and I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Still feeling lost or wondering how to put all of this information into practice?


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Set up a wellness habit and stick to it


  • FIND YOUR WHY
  • POWER OF ATOMIC HABITS
  • IT’S ABOUT SCHEDULE AND ROUTINE, NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR INSPIRATION
  • ROUTINES ARE BORING? TRY THIS
  • ATHLETES DON’T QUIT AFTER A SETBACK, NEITHER SHOULD YOU
  • GET THAT DONE [x] MARK – HOW HABIT TRACKING CAN HELP YOU
  • ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
  • THE ROUTINE IS FOR YOUR WELLNESS, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
  • REWARD YOURSELF REGULARLY

SET UP A WELLNESS HABIT AND STICK TO IT


  • FIND YOUR WHY
  • POWER OF ATOMIC HABITS
  • IT’S ABOUT SCHEDULE AND ROUTINE, NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR INSPIRATION
  • ROUTINES ARE BORING? TRY THIS
  • ATHLETES DON’T QUIT AFTER A SETBACK, NEITHER SHOULD YOU
  • GET THAT DONE [x] MARK – HOW HABIT TRACKING CAN HELP YOU
  • ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
  • THE ROUTINE IS FOR YOUR WELLNESS, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
  • REWARD YOURSELF REGULARLY

WRITTEN BY

Sini Hietaharju

Sini Hietaharju

I'm Sini, RYT-500 Yoga teacher and Writer deeply interested in yoga philosphy, focused mindset and holistic well-being.


In my articles, I often use multiple sources and am constantly studying more about holistic well-being from many aspects.

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