Raise your hand if you were one of those who committed to living healthier in 2020. Life can be a little overwhelming and when the lists are long and the tasks are many, hey, it’s easy to lose motivation.
In reality motivation comes in waves and needs a little maintenance to keep the momentum going. The trick is to place your goals within the bigger picture of what your life is really about rather than focussing solely on looking good. Aesthetic goals alone are rarely enough to keep someone motivated. Eventually, the cheesecake or soda - whatever your weakness is - will look really good and you’ll decide (again) to give it another go on Monday!
We are all aware that a healthy lifestyle has far reaching physical and emotional benefits. Did you know that it takes only 21 days to form a habit? And, as with most aspects of life, healthy living is much easier if it is part of your regular routine. It’s about making easy-to-manage, healthy choices part of your daily routine. This will totally remove the mindset of “diet” and “exercise” which implies an end at some point when your goal have been reached. Instead, aim for a permanent healthy lifestyle change. For example, sugar is not healthy now and will never be healthy … you get the idea.
So, take the holistic approach to living healthier. The idea is to take care of your mind, body, and spirit in a way that comes naturally to you. Start by making small healthy changes every day. If you want to improve your diet by eating more fruit and veggies and less carbs, put it on your grocery list and start by having an extra fruit every day. Change from white bread to whole-wheat. Get your seven hours of shut-eye every night and drink an extra glass of water each day. Totally doable, right?
Enjoy the outdoors and move a little more; even a ten minute brisk walk every day is a good start. Buddy up for accountability. Not only will you have the benefit of some company along the way, but this has been shown to improve long-term compliance to a plan.
Start a food journal, figure out small goals and track your success. Reward yourself for doing well. (non-food related rewards, off course!) I’m thinking a relaxing day at the spa or a new pair of jeans? Or, a real prize … a day off. (recruit your spouse, a family member, or your baby sitter)
Remember to be kind to yourself. Drop the guilt and change unhealthy thoughts to positive affirmations. Spend more time with people that “get” you; people that make you happy. Also, do more of the things that you love. Enjoy your morning coffee in a beautiful spot, or take a bath with a glass of wine in the evening. You need to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.
Once you’re in the habit of stoking your motivational fire, it becomes easier to keep burning.
Health isn’t a destination, it’s a thrilling and totally worth-it journey!
Source: thriveglobal.com, wellnessmama.com, weightwatchers.com, webmd.com, womanshealthmag.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
