How to Create Healthy Habits That Last
At the start of each year, many of us reflect and resolve to change things that aren’t working in our lives. Sometimes these changes stick, but often they fizzle out after a few months. This doesn’t mean that lasting lifestyle changes are doomed, but they do require ongoing dedication. If you’re interested in creating long-term changes to improve your health and wellbeing, follow these tips to ensure they endure beyond the first few weeks of the year.
Find movement you love
It can be intimidating to start exercising if it’s not already a part of your life, but it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone for the benefits that exercise can bring to your life. Instead of forcing yourself into a spiritless cardio regime, start by reflecting on the type of movement you enjoy – the kind that gets you excited and makes you happy. Is there a sport or activity you’ve always wanted to try? Do you have a bucket list fitness goal that you’ve sidelined for years? It can also help to find the right motivation before you attempt any changes to your fitness routine because you’re unlikely to stick with anything that you have to force yourself to do. Start with something that sounds fun, interesting, or worthwhile.
Make mental health a priority
When considering ways to improve your health, don’t forget about your emotional wellbeing. Looking after your mental health can have a positive impact on all areas of your life. There are little things you can do on a daily basis that will keep you stay balanced. For example, consider making personal time a priority. Set aside a time each day that you check in with yourself, ask yourself what you need, and do something to nurture yourself. Even if it’s just a short time-out to relax, it can help relieve stress and bring you back to your center.
It’s also important to take a look at how your environment is impacting your mental health. Are you getting enough sleep? Is your home a place you can relax and unwind? If your home doesn’t allow you to recharge your batteries and feel safe, you may need to make a few changes. For example, you might install light-blocking curtains if bright lights keep you awake at night, clear out any clutter, or detox your space if there is tension in your home.
Nourish yourself
Good nutrition is the heart of good health. Rather than focusing on which foods to avoid, try focusing on what you’d like to include more of in your diet. If you want to include more fresh and organic foods, shop at a local farmer’s market or health food store. Try out products that are grown or raised locally and sustainably. You may find that they taste much better.
While there are diet fads and experts with detailed programs, there is no perfect diet If you feel exhausted and foggy on a vegan or keto diet, it may not be the right fit for you. In order to create or maintain a healthy relationship with food, try making small positive adjustments toward eating balanced meals most of the time, rather than forbidding the foods you love.
Although change isn’t easy, healthy living shouldn’t feel like hard work. The key is to find lifestyle habits that make you feel joyful, centered, and more energetic. When you’ve found healthy routines that are based on what you love and enjoy, you’ve found routines that are likely to stick around for years to come.
about the author:
Sheila left the corporate world and long hours behind to start her own business. She’s looking, feeling, and working better than she has in years. She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it with others. By creating this blog post and more, she hopes that sharing her story will help you, too.