Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits

Making a change in your life can be challenging. Whether you are aiming to get fit, eat better, or quit smoking, it can be difficult to make a change stick. However, taking baby-steps towards change can lead to you creating healthier lifestyle habits that then become a part of your everyday routine. Let’s look at this concept now so you can get started right away.

Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits #1 Set realistic goals

When trying to create a new habit, it is crucial to set realistic goals. If your goal is too big, you are more likely to get discouraged and give up. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, start adding one or two new healthy foods to your diet each week. Minor changes will add up over time and become big changes. Plus, this approach will help you stick with your new habit in the long run.

Another way to set realistic goals is try the ‘a little a lot’ methodology. For example, if you want to start exercising more, don’t commit to going to the gym for an hour every day. Instead, start with something small, like going for a 10-minute walk around the block. Then, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get more comfortable with your new habit.

Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits #2 Create a support system

One of the best ways to stick with a new habit is to find a support system. This could be a friend, family member, or even an online community. Having someone to help you stay accountable can make all the difference when trying to create a new habit. If you are trying to eat healthier, ask a friend to cook or go grocery shopping with you. Find a workout buddy or join a gym class if you are trying to exercise more. Having someone there to support and encourage you will make it easier to stick with your new habit.

Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits #3 Read inspiring blogs

When trying to create a new habit, it is important to find motivation wherever you can. Reading inspiring blogs like this one from Katie Rollins about multiple success stories can be a great way to stay focused. There are plenty of blog posts and articles with tips and advice for creating new habits. Find a few that resonate with you and keep them handy for when you need some motivation.

Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits #4 Be kind to yourself

Creating new habits can seem like hard work. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it becomes easier. Sure, you won’t be able to click your fingers so change occurs. But, if you’re patient and give it time, you’ll notice new habits emerging.

Also, if you slip-up and eat too much cake or don’t exercise one day, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track and keep moving forward. Remember, sometimes you’ll take two steps forward and one step back. This pattern is normal.

Key Takeaways For Creating Healthier Lifestyle Habits

Making positive changes in your life is possible with time and effort. Just to recap, some ways for you to create sustainable habits that will help you lead a healthier life are:

• Set yourself realistic goals that are specific, measurable, achievable and timed. For instance, to walk for 10-minutes, daily for the next two weeks.
• Create a support system if you need greater accountability. By having a buddy or joining a group of like minded people you’re able to stay on task and push through even the hardest challenges when they arise.
• Read inspiring blogs that keep you focused and motivated to achieve your lifestyle habits.
• Be kind to yourself if you don’t stay on task and deviate from your plan. It’s okay to have a day or two off, but try to avoid making it a habit : )

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