Life: Getting Back to Normal

What does getting back to normal mean to you? Everyone's definition of normal differs. What's normal for one person, may make another person feel out of place. "Getting back to normal" can encompass many areas in life. For the sake of this blog our normal category will be health. I am going to give you 5 techniques you can use when you feel out of sorts. Here is to getting your Chi back😉! The techniques are as follows:

1. Give Yourself Time- Weather we know it or not, people are use to routine. When your routine is thrown off, it takes time to get back in a rhythm. Give yourself a realistic time frame to return to "normal". Everyone's time frame is different. A good example is: It takes Jane 4 months to return to running 3 miles a day after surgery. Jill had the same surgery, and it takes her 6 months to return to running 3 miles a day. Same end goal, but different time frame to achieve.
2. Set a Plan- Writing down a plan is a great idea. A plan allows you to see if you are on track to reach what is normal for you (end goal), or if you need more time. It is ok if your plan or time frame changes to reach your end goal.
3. Make Small Task- Making small task to achieve your end goal can be rewarding. As you complete each task you feel like something was accomplished. Indirectly, you are encouraging yourself to complete the next step of your plan.
4. Setting Goals- Setting goals is encompassed in your plan. Your goals should have a range: immediate, intermediate and long. All your goals are connected. Completing a small goal(s) helps you complete your immediate goal(s). Completing your immediate goal(s) assists in your intermediate goal(s) completion. Intermediate completion, gets your long goal accomplished. An example would be: immediate goal- walking today, intermediate goal- walking 3 times this week, and long goal-walking 3 times a week consistently over the next 3 months. 
5. Set Limits- In setting limits, this allows you to be realistic in what you are trying to accomplish. You will not try to run a marathon by the end of the 1st week of your "get back to normal". You need to set realistic limits. Getting back in routine is no different! It takes practice and hard work. An example of limit setting is: I will not try to run 3 miles, 3 times a week in the first month. This can be a goal for the 2nd or 3rd month.  Setting limits allows you to be realistic and not set yourself up for failure.

*What I like about these techniques, they are useful for getting back into a routine, or obtaining a new goal. How do you get back to normal? Please subscribe via e-mail on the right, and leave a comment in the comment section below. As always, thanks for reading and subscribing!*