You’ve successfully implemented a balanced routine. Well done! Now, how can you maintain these healthy habits long term?

Persist: Continue firmly in a course of action , despite difficulties or opposition.

In order to persistantly practice healthy habits, it’s important to conserve energy during your daily activities.

When do you Expend the Most Energy?

Pay attention to your routine. Take your agenda or your calendar, and track your energy expenditure.

Example : During a cognitive activity…

  1. When do you begin to feel tired after a high energy cognitive activity?
  2. When is the best moment for you to perform an activity that requires concentration and attention?
  3. Do you take breaks? When?
  4. What gives you energy?
  5. What drains your energy?

Use the same questions to evaluate your energy expenditure during a physical activity.

Routine

Energy Conservation Techniques

Good news! It’s a vicious cycle. Practicing healthy habits allows you to conserve energy, which helps maintain the healthy lifestyle, and so on and so forth.

Let’s review some good practices…

1. Sleep

Go to bed at the same time every night, prepare what you need for the following day (lunches, outfits, important documents), and avoid unnecessary naps after 3:00 pm to prevent increased fatigue.

2. Eat Well

Eat balanced nutritious foods, especially during high energy activities (ex. eat a healthy snack before doing exercise). Avoid foods that are high in fat and that can make you feel more tired throughout the day (ex. eat a fruit instead of a chocolate bar).

3. Exercise

Physical activity and movement have so many health benefits. Doing 30 minutes of physical activity per day can reduce stress and improve sleep, 2 things that contribute to energy conservation, and in turn, help maintain the rest of your good habits.

4. Get your Eyes Checked (Cognitive Work)

Looking at a computer screen for long periods of time can contribute to fatigue. Take breaks during sedentary computer work, and pay attention to your eye health. Are they dry? Is it sometimes hard to see (blurred vision)?

5. Ask for help

Ask a friend or family member to help you with more demanding or complex tasks (ex. for renovations, preparing a big meal with friends).

If you need even more tips, consult a health care professional. An Occupational Therapy Mental Health program is always a good place to start.

By paying attention to your energy expenditure in all daily activities, it becomes much easier to maintain the healthy habits long term.

Make an appointment in Occupational Therapy for Mental Health