How to Create Healthy Habits
By Genevieve Cunningham
Healthy habits are the key to a healthy life. Your habits -- the little things that you do every day -- have a huge impact on the way that you feel and function. Unfortunately, most of us fail to keep healthy habits. Why? Because our habits are one of the hardest things to change. If you're interested in a healthier lifestyle through better habits, take a look at these tips for creating and keeping them today.
Make a Priority List
In order to make changes that last, you really need to know what's important to you. If something -- perhaps waking up early -- isn't an important habit for you, then you're going to have a hard time sticking with it. Make a list with your highest priority on top. Maybe your list says: exercise regularly, go to bed on time, eat a healthy breakfast. If these are the things that are important to you, then you'll attack the habits in this order. Starting with your highest priority makes it more likely that you'll stick with it.
Stick to One Habit at a Time
Don't try to do a million habits at once. In fact, don't even try to do two habits at once. Pick a habit, and make that one habit your focus for a couple of weeks -- or more if you need it. If you try to do too many too quickly, you'll get frustrated and overwhelmed, and you may give up. Don't rush the process. Changing your habits is going to take a long time, and that's perfectly OK. Slow and steady wins the race, so choose one habit at a time, and don't deviate.
Gauge Your Own Desire
How badly do you want to change? Assess yourself. If you really want to lose weight, then you may be more likely to stick with habits that revolve around weight loss. If you really want more sleep, then you should probably start with habits that focus on better sleep. Use your desires as motivation. Figure out what you really want, and choose to create habits that help you reach those specific goals.
Changing your habits is definitely not an easy process. It takes time and work and dedication. But if you really want it, you can make it happen. Use these tips to steadily change your habits into healthier ones, and before you know it, you'll be living a healthy, happy life every day.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Mo.