A Stress-Free Healthy Habits Redo
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It’s not all that surprising that for most people, implementing new healthy habits can be a major challenge. No matter how adamant we are to make the big change, we have logged so much time setting up our current routines that they have become tough habits to break. It has taken us years to create our busy schedules and unhealthy eating habits. Expecting to make significant changes overnight places a lot of unnecessary pressure on our already demanding lives.
Stress is one of the biggest factors that cause us to give up on our goals so quickly. We crave the changes, but become frustrated with the intense amount of work it takes to accomplish them. But the unfortunate irony is that stress actually makes us more unhealthy and can lead to serious diseases, anxiety, depression or even addiction. So, if you feel like you’re having trouble staying on the “healthy habits” wagon this year, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make the changes you are hoping for, but without the stress of immediate results. You have your whole life to be healthy, so relax and enjoy the journey to better health, one simple adjustment at a time.
Goals for Physical Health and Fitness
Start by creating a list of small, doable changes that can become your list of goals. Some ideas of helpful eating goals could be: “Limit or remove desserts from my diet,” or “Drink more water instead of caffeinated beverages.” For exercising, consider these new habits: “Take a walk with my family at a local park or trail twice per week,” or “Pick a workout buddy to help keep me motivated to accomplish my weekly goals.” If combining these tasks seems too overwhelming, just implement one idea at a time, and when you are comfortable managing it, add another.
Along with your simple goals, create environments that make it easier to accomplish them. To help curb your cravings, remove the junk food from your pantry, and throw out the pizza coupons. To keep a consistent workout routine, set up a space where you enjoy exercising, or mark specific dates and times on your calendar so you don’t miss your workout time. If you are a parent, pre-plan for that time so that they have what they need before your workout, or better yet, let them participate alongside of you. Planning ahead could be the most constructive step toward fulfilling your goal.
Goals for Emotional or Mental Health
If you struggle with anxiety, a few small acheivable goals can include things like: “Reduce my stress level by taking more breaks throughout my day,” or “Regularly meet with a counselor who can help with my specific situation.” Those seeking to combat depression, can try goals such as: “Maintain a consistent sleep schedule,” or “Engage in activities I usually like, even when I don’t have the desire to do it at the moment.” Unsurprisingly, exercise can also have positive effects on your mental health. So once you have the first few goals underway, try incorporating some physical fitness routines also. Find a fun way to spend more time with your family. Perhaps plan a family night once a week that allows you to cook a healthy meal together or watch a funny movie. Not only will your time be well-spent, but your kids will get a first-hand lesson in health and wellness. Take your mind off of the challenge of improvement, and keep your focus on the people who really matter in your life. Whether you want to see progress in your physical fitness, or you want to be free from anxiety and depression, it only takes a mindset of patient determination to get you there. Relax and take your time. Enjoy your stress-free, healthy habits redo.