Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

This week has been a whirlwind! If you follow my personal feed, you might have seen that my son passed his test for his third-degree black belt (so proud!) and then moved back to college on Friday. With him gone, we’re back to an empty nest, which means a little more time to focus on all the things I’ve been juggling.

But here’s the thing: while we were in the midst of packing, planning, and managing all the chaos, my life turned into one big to-do list. If you’re trying to make healthier changes in your life, it might feel like that for you too—constantly checking things off a list and trying to keep everything in balance.

When Healthy Habits Feel Like Homework

Starting a new health routine can feel like going back to school, right? You may have created a list of what you want to eat, and all the healthy swaps you’re trying to remember. Then there’s exercise, sleep, stress management, supplements, hydration—it can feel like a never-ending cycle of “gotta do this, gotta do that.” Even though you know it’s all to benefit your long-term health, it might not feel very fun at first.

So, how do we find balance? Let’s talk about a couple of ways to ease the load and integrate these healthy habits into your life more naturally.

Developing Systems for Balance

First, take a deep breath. Change always feels more intense at the start, but remember, as new habits settle into your routine, they’ll start to feel lighter and more manageable. Stick with it—remind yourself why you began, and keep moving forward.

Making these changes easier is all about creating systems that integrate seamlessly into your daily life. For example, if you’re adding stretching to your morning routine, lay out your workout clothes the night before. When everything’s ready to go, it’s easier to stick with the plan.

Prefer working out later in the day? Block off time in your calendar and have your workout gear prepped. The goal is to make these activities a natural part of your day, not just another task on your to-do list.

Hydration is another simple habit to systematize. Keep a full water bottle within reach throughout the day, and if refilling isn’t convenient, bring multiple bottles so you’re never caught without. Small systems like these can help you stay on track without adding stress.

Remember, the journey to a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s make these positive changes together, one step at a time, so you can live a life you love—without feeling hungry, deprived, or sacrificing the things that bring you joy. We’ve got this!