Creating Healthy Habits for a Healthier You

By Donna Stark

If you made a quarantine resolution to start eating healthier and exercising more, you aren't alone. Many people have made the same decision as you. But just because that decision was easy to make, it doesn't mean that it is easy to fulfill. Working toward a better you and establishing healthier habits is hard! We all know that. We also know that it may take more time to achieve our goals than what we initially thought. So don't beat yourself up if your goals aren't met just yet. Stay the course and check out the following tips on how to create healthy habits in your daily lifestyle.

Avoid Variety

Even though variety is often called the spice of life, it could be disastrous when you are trying to build a new habit. Habits need consistency and consistency shouldn't involve a lot of change. So, for example, if you want to start meditating in the morning, stick with meditation and stick with mornings. Stay committed to this new habit until you are certain it is ingrained in your day.

Give Yourself Grace

So what happens when you have a bad day and your new habit gets pushed to the side? Should you give up and quit? No way! You are sure to hit some speed bumps with your new habits but that doesn't mean you need to stop entirely. Give yourself some grace and just pick up where you left off.

Use Technology

If your life is busy and if the new habits aren't completely established yet, it could be very easy to forget about them. So don't beat yourself up because you forgot to drink your 16-ounce bottle of water in the middle of the afternoon. Use technology instead! Check to see if you can find any apps that can help you keep track of your goals or simply set some alarms on your phone. It couldn't be any easier to stay on top of what you are hoping to accomplish.

Take Baby Steps if Needed

Do you want to eat more greens, drink more water, exercise twice a day, quit smoking, stop cursing, drive safer, sleep better, watch less television, read more books, and kiss your spouse every hour of the day? Whew! Are you trying to set yourself up for failure? Remember, baby steps are often better when it comes to new habits than trying to do it all at once. Pick one or two changes at a time so you can really find the success you are hoping to achieve.

Reaching Your Goals

Establishing healthier habits is easier when you take the right steps to do so. And the most important step you need to take is to believe in yourself! You got this and you will create a better you!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hillsboro, Ore.