5 easy ways to get back into a healthy routine this fall

Fall is just around the corner — and with the change in season comes not only preparing for the colder months ahead, but getting back into a routine with your family. From hearty yet healthy recipes that will delight even the pickiest eater to tips on how to make your home more comfortable, Canadian Tire is making sure you’re Ready For everything the season has in store.

Mother and child washing dishes together in kitchen, sharing chores
Photo via Canadian Tire

Fall always feels like a turning point in the year.

It’s a transitional time when kids go back to school and it starts to feel like life can finally slow down after a hectic and spontaneous summer. That being said, slowing down can be a good thing, and getting back into a routine can help you feel more in control and grounded in your everyday life. It may not be quite as fun as an impromptu summer outing, but creating healthy daily routines can greatly improve your physical and mental well-being.

So, instead of mourning the end of summer spontaneity, why not take this time to get back into healthy habits? We promise you’ll feel rejuvenated and more focused than ever.

1. Clean and organize regularly

Bathroom organizer and shelf from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

It’s hard to feel productive in a messy, disorganized space. Take time to clean and organize though, and you can start the fall season on the right foot by getting your home up to snuff. Easier said than done, right? Not if you have the right tools and products.

You’ll be able to find everything you’re looking for with minimal effort by utilizing a closet organizer like the type A Ease 8-Shelf Hanging Organizer. For the bathroom or office, The Home Edit by iDESIGN Divided Turntable and All-Purpose Stackable Divided Drawer will do wonders by helping you organize loose items like office equipment and bathroom products. The stackable design allows you to store plenty, even in a small space.

2. Start meal prepping again

Woman uses Ninja air fryer from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Eating nutritious and balanced meals regularly is a big part of getting back into a healthy routine, and there are few better ways to feel productive and full of energy than by planning and prepping your meals ahead of time.

Make meal prepping a breeze by having the right kitchen utensils at your disposal. A great cast-iron skillet like the PADERNO Pre-Seasoned Smooth-Release Cast Iron Skillet is a must-have, as well as a quality knife set. Meanwhile, appliances like the Instant Pot® or Crock-Pot® Programmable MyTime™ Slow Cooker make getting dinner on the table easier and more efficient.

Opting for one-pot recipes and sheet pan meals can help you focus more on cooking and less on cleanup, while the Sistema Bento To Go Container offers an excellent way to store and transport leftovers, allowing you to compartmentalize your lunch items and create fun bag lunches you’ll look forward to eating.

3. Make time for yourself

An Asian woman wearing a sweater inhaled the scent and drank the winter morning coffee. She looked at the view from the large window on vacation.
Photo via Getty Images

Life can get hectic, and that often leads to neglecting your own health and well-being in favour of others’. It’s important to carve out time for yourself though—whether that means meditating in the morning, working out or orchestrating a weekly spa night. “Me time” can take many forms as long as it serves to relax and rejuvenate.

One way to create a peaceful environment is by adding a diffuser to your home. The Ellia Ascend Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser will fill your space with mood-enhancing scents and is the perfect companion for a morning meditation session. If fitness is what puts you in a good mood, consider creating a home gym to make workouts more convenient. Tight on space? No problem. A set of weights like the CAP Neoprene Dumbbell Weight Set or Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell is ideal for small spaces and can be stowed away quite easily.

4. Get your bedtime routine down

Nothing soothes the soul like a deep sleep
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There’s such a thing as a sleep routine and you should have one if you want to wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Take this one seriously, because your sleep routine is indicative of how your day will unfold. If you’re cranky and tired, it will only make it that much harder to have a productive day.

Get in the habit of putting away your phone and other electronics before bed. Then wind down with the help of a device like the HoMedics Soundspa, as it lulls you into a zen-like state with natural sounds. Other ways to help you get a good night’s sleep include having a light snack or tea before bed, or taking a warm bath.

5. Schedule your time and make lists

Woman working at organized desk from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

This one might seem uptight or rigid, but scheduling your time can help make you much more productive. Seeing your day’s tasks and goals down on paper will also help you feel less aimless.

When you start scheduling tasks and activities, you’ll also be able to see where your time is going. You may notice you’re spending a bit too much time working as opposed to social time with your loved ones. The most balanced and happy people are typically those who make time for work but also understand the importance of self-care and social engagements.

Fall is all about getting back into a routine, and Canadian Tire is here to make sure you’re Ready For Fall. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to prepare your home and lawn for the cold weather or delicious, healthy recipes that will make nights a breeze, we’ve got you covered.