Creating and continuing healthy habits can be tricky, especially when it feels like you’re constantly bombarded with contradicting information. How do you know what’s good for you? And how can you make changes that are sustainable in the long term?
From shifting your everyday choices to focusing more on the life that you desire (in order to focus your attention on getting there!), this blog post will explore some easy ways to create sustainable healthy habits that will improve your well-being and help you feel your best!
Start Small
When making healthy changes, it’s essential to start small.
Trying to overhaul your entire diet or lifestyle all at once is often unsustainable and can lead to frustration. Instead, start by making one or two small changes each week until they become habits. This could mean adding a serving of vegetables to your lunch, going for a walk after dinner, or swapping out sugary drinks for water.
Everyone is different, so finding what works for you is critical for creating healthy habits. Some people respond well to structure and routine, while others prefer more flexibility. Experiment with different approaches until you find something that feels sustainable and enjoyable for you.
Shift Your Changes Into Long-Term Habits
One of the best ways to make a healthy change sustainable is to turn it into a habit.
This means that you don’t have to think about it; you just do it automatically. Habits are formed over time through repetition and can be helpful when trying to make positive changes in your life.
To create a habit, start by picking a specific time or place to do the behavior you want to develop. For example, try setting the alarm for morning meditation or packing your lunch the night before work. Once the behavior becomes automatic, you can relax and enjoy the benefits without putting in any extra effort!
Find Your Motivation
When it comes to making healthy changes, motivation is critical. If you’re not motivated to make a change, it will be hard to stick with it in the long run. So, how do you find your motivation?
One way is to think about why you want to make a change: What are your goals? Why do you want to feel healthier or happier? Once you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards, it will be easier to stay motivated when things get tough.
Another way to stay motivated is by focusing on positive reinforcement. When you achieve a small goal, reward yourself with something that makes you happy – like buying yourself a new book or taking a relaxing bath.
Conquer What’s Difficult Step-By Step
When you’re trying to make a lifestyle change (regardless of how big or how small), one of the hardest things to overcome are your negative feelings or fears.
For example, if you have something that you’ve been putting off (like filing your taxes, handling a difficult confrontation, paying bills, or contacting a medical malpractice attorney), the process can feel overwhelming at first.
But take one step at a time. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or support from loved ones or other experts (personal trainers, dieticians, nutritionists, etc.) along the way!
Be Positive
One of the best ways to stay motivated when making healthy changes is being positive throughout the process (even when it’s hard).
Sometimes this looks like rewarding yourself for your achievements. When you reach a goal, pat yourself on the back and enjoy something that makes you happy. This can be something tangible, or simply a positive affirmation. Rewarding yourself helps keep you motivated and provides positive reinforcement, which is essential for making lasting changes in your life.
Making healthy changes can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think with these tips! Start small, make it a habit, find your motivation, and reward yourself along the way.
Creating healthy sustainable habits doesn’t have to be complicated – enjoy the process!