Why do most of us have such a hard time reaching our health and wellness goals?
No one likes to be ill or have health problems, yet we seem to struggle with making those long-term changes that can mean better health and an improved quality of life.
It could be that we focus too much on the end goal, or what we are told we “should” do, instead of taking smaller, more realistic steps that we can achieve one at a time. For example, if your end goal is to lower your cholesterol or blood sugar (or if your doctor has told you to lay off the junk and eat more veggies), adding a salad before you eat pizza is much easier than absolutely denying yourself that slice. Add good things on the front end, and the bad things begin to fall off the back end all by themselves. Add a brisk 15-minute walk before you sit down to watch the game instead of thinking you can’t watch the game because you “should” go to the gym. Small steps, and small changes, yield big results as they add up.
Add good things on the front end, and the bad things begin to fall off the back end all by themselves.
For many folks, making a vision board is a great way to stay motivated and on task. Cut pictures out of magazines or print pictures from the Web that show people doing the things you would like to do — walking with grandchildren, hiking in the mountains, taking up painting, planting a small garden, etc. Choose images that really appeal to you, that you can imagine this healthier version of yourself doing and enjoying. If you have no desire to climb a mountain, skip the Everest pictures; this is about you and what you want to achieve, not about what the world expects from you!
Tack the pictures up on a bulletin board or your fridge, somewhere you can see them every day, and spend a few minutes each morning looking at them and imagining how you’ll feel as you do these activities. This will help you focus on what you can do today to move toward those goals. Now imagine a smile on your face, and make that smile happen as you step out your door for that first step toward this new you.
Join in the Frenzy!
Having a support network for making positive change is so important. Take advantage of the Fitness Frenzy going on in your community this month to not only pursue your own health goals, but raise money for some great charities. Whether it’s walking, biking, or taking an exercise class, you can make every minute count by having friends and family pledge to support you with small contributions.
Just like those small changes to your lifestyle, those small contributions can add up to do some real good in local communities. Not sure what exercise would be best for you? Talk to your health practitioner and get some advice before starting, or changing, any exercise program.
