After a holiday, your daily rhythm often feels a bit different. You’ve enjoyed good food, kept later hours and had fewer fixed routines. That’s perfectly normal. This article will help you ease back into your familiar routine, without a strict plan or drastic measures.
How do you get back into your routine after a holiday?
Start with the basics you already know: eating regularly, exercising every day, drinking plenty of water and enjoying varied meals. You don’t need to do anything radical, because small, consistent habits work better than a temporary fix.
The idea isn’t to impose anything on yourself, but to return to what already worked for you. Choose one or two things to start with, such as getting back into your usual breakfast routine and planning a short walk. Once those have become second nature again, you can gradually build the rest around them. That way, the transition feels more like coming home than a punishment.
Why does regularity work better than a strict plan?
Consistency is easier to maintain than a strict schedule, and it’s precisely this consistency that determines whether a habit sticks. Fixed times for eating and exercising provide structure without you having to make constant choices.
A strict plan requires a lot of willpower and often falls by the wayside after a few days. Fixed anchors in your day, such as always eating at around the same time and a regular exercise slot, are easier to stick to. You don’t have to make the same decision over and over again; the habit does the work for you. That makes the first week after the holidays a lot easier.
So what does a varied diet look like?
Build your meals around vegetables, wholegrain foods and a good source of protein, supplemented with plenty of fluids. A varied diet is mainly about balance, so that you get a bit of everything.
In practical terms, it boils down to simple choices: wholegrain pasta, rice or bread instead of the white variety, fruit and veg every day, and a source of protein with your meals. Cook for yourself wherever possible, as this way you know exactly what’s going into your food and can tailor the portions to your own appetite. Opt for unprocessed foods and, where possible, local and seasonal ingredients. It doesn’t have to be perfect; variety throughout the week counts for more than a single meal.
What role does protein play in your routine?
Protein is a building block for your muscles. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. That fits in well with an active lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise.
You can get protein from everyday foods such as dairy, pulses, eggs, fish and wholegrains. Spread your intake throughout the day so that every meal contains a source of protein. If you’re very active, it’s particularly important to be mindful of this. If you don’t always manage to get enough from your meals, a protein powder can be a handy supplement. You can read more about this in ‘How much protein do you need each day?’ and ‘The benefits of protein powder’.
How much water do you need as you get back into your routine?
Drinking enough fluids is simply part of your daily routine. For example, start the day with a glass of water and then spread your fluid intake throughout the day.
Drinking water is the simplest habit to get back into and requires hardly any effort. Keep a bottle or glass within easy reach at your workplace, and you’ll naturally drink more often. Exactly how much you need depends on your body, the weather and how much you move around. If you want to know what happens if you consistently drink too little, read about the consequences of not drinking enough water.
How do you stick with it?
It’s easier to stick with it by taking small, achievable steps rather than following a strict schedule. A set time for exercise, some company and plenty of rest make the habit much easier to maintain.
For example, arrange to exercise with someone else so you can keep each other motivated. Plan exercise around times that are already part of your day, such as walking or cycling to an appointment. Don’t be too hard on yourself if a day doesn’t go to plan; the odd slip-up doesn’t matter: it’s the overall picture over the long term that counts. And don’t forget to relax, because getting enough rest makes it easier to stick to your new routine.
If you want protein to be a regular part of your routine, a powder can make that easier. Our organic whey protein and vegan protein mix quickly into a shake, yoghurt or porridge, with a short and transparent list of ingredients. Browse the full protein collection to see what suits your routine.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should you get back into your routine after the holidays?
There’s no set timeframe for this. It’s not about speed, but about consistently getting back into your familiar routine; the first week is mainly about getting back on track.
Do you need to count calories to get back into your routine?
No. Focus on regularity, a varied diet and daily exercise rather than counting. Established habits are easier to stick to and require less effort.
Do you need protein powder?
No, you can get plenty of protein from a normal diet. A powder is only a useful supplement if you don’t always manage to get enough from your meals.
Does drinking more water help with your daily routine?
Drinking enough fluids is part of a normal daily routine and is one of the easiest habits to get back into. How much you need depends on your body, the weather and how much you exercise.
