Transforming your lifestyle starts with the things you do daily; your habits can make or break your life. Finding ways to build healthy habits can be easy. Here is a quick guideline on how to incorporate these in a sustainable and fulfilling way. Create healthy habits and stick to them with these steps and tips.
The importance of having healthy habits
Before diving into these applicable steps and tips, you need to first understand the – WHY? Knowing this is important, and it helps to understand that healthy habits can be highly beneficial to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
The key to sticking to them consistently is to realize that they directly affect essential aspects of your life, such as your mood, your sleep, your productivity levels, and your energy levels. If you want to keep all these on a positive high, then follow these steps.
Step 1: Small steps: the key to improvements that last
There is no need to do everything at once. Starting small should be the goal when you decide to adopt healthy habits. Choose one habit, then focus all your energy on it. Once you are satisfied that it has become a natural part of your day-to-day, move on to the next one. It is less overwhelming and more sustainable. This mindful wonderer article is a reminder to acknowledge that “change doesn’t happen in a day.” Consider these tips:
- Tip 1: Set realistic goals: Think about what you want to achieve and what success will look like with this habit. If it’s, for example, drinking more water, buy a water bottle and carry it with you everywhere you go. Refill it eight times a day.
- Tip 2: Slot it into your daily routine: this means associating it with something you already do every day. For example, drink your first glass of water after you’ve brushed your teeth in the morning.
- Tip 3: Tracking things: make sure to keep a record, such as a journal or calendar, to monitor your progress.
Step 2: Adjust your environment to success: reinforcing those habits
- Tip 1: Get rid of temptation: If your goal is to start a healthy eating habit, get rid of any junk food in the fridge or pantry.
- Tip 2: Tell everyone: that telling your friends and family about your goals can provide accountability and support.
- Tip 3: The right equipment: if your goal is to start going to the gym, invest in suitable gym attire to motivate you. If it’s running, invest in good running shoes. Psychology Today has a great article on how to motivate yourself.
- Tip 4: Celebrating every win: Don’t forget to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, to keep you encouraged and going strong.
Step 3: Always be consistent: the key to any habit formation
- Tip 1: Have and stay on schedule: create a schedule and stick to it. Pencil it in for the same time every day to strengthen the healthy habit.
- Tip 2: Don’t rush: When starting to adopt healthy habits, always be patient. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see any changes yet; they will come in time.
- Tip 3: Set reminders: this is what our phones are for; use that reminder or alarm on your phone to set regular reminders on top of diarizing it. Perhaps some sticky notes too.
- Tip 4: Flexibility helps: if something important isn’t working or comes in the way, don’t worry; be willing to be more flexible in your approach and move things around.
Step 4: Get rid of obstacles; stay motivated
- Tip 1: Possibility of roadblocks: if you know ahead of time what challenges may come in your way of achieving your goals, find ways to overcome them first.
- Tip 2: Be positive: Having a positive mindset is key for everything in life, including building healthy habits. Don’t get discouraged; stay optimistic and make it fun for you.
- Tip 3: Look for inspiration: Things you can do to find inspiration may include watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and reading books and magazines related to your habit to get more tips and steps.
- Tip 4: Reflection time: remind yourself of what you’ve achieved so far. Reflecting on this can help keep you on track and is a powerful persuader as well.