04/04/2021
Did you know that roughly 8 percent of adults stick to their new year resolutions towards a healthier lifestyle, and 80 percent have failed by February!?
What is the key to develop and commit to your health goals?. In my experience as a wellness coach and movement trainer with 15 years teaching and helping others create a healthy lifestyle, here are my thoughts:
1- How deep is your “WHY”:
First and most important; meditate on why you want to implement healthier habits in your life.
Science has demonstrated that if your motivation is intrinsic (for yourself), you’ll be more likely to succeed than if you do it for others or for more superficial reasons.
Dig deep and find motivation in .
2- The triad for achieving a healthy weight:
A balanced blend of daily: Conscious movement – healthy eating & hydration – restful sleep; they’re ALL equally important. PERIOD.
3- Realistic Goals vision board:
Mine has inspirational quotes, short and long term goals, reminders to: spend time outdoors, less multitasking –more quality time with loved ones-, maintain healthy social connections, prep meals ahead of time, the schedule for my workouts which brings me to….
4- Mark your Calendar!
Exercise, rest and meal prep are a commitment. Repeat after me: “my health is NON-NEGOTIABLE”; without it you won’t be able to enjoy all other gifts in your life
So mark your calendar and treat your healthy habits like it’s your job. You are the boss and you don’t cancel on your boss…but if you do, you need…
5- Accountability:
It can be someone who inspires you or that you respect; a workout buddy, a relative or even better: a health coach, joining a health challenge online with friends, setting specific dates to step on the scale (I’m personally not a fan of the scale, but whatever works for you)…
6- Know that small steps are huge:
Even small changes in your diet and physical activity can help you move forward towards the best version of yourself. Do not underestimate little thigs like taking that extra flight of stairs just to add more steps to your day or switching butter for olive oil or going to bed 30 minutes earlier.
7- Reward yourself with….
(I should be sponsored by the fitness industry for this) new workout gear and/or equipment! … or…. a visit to a new health food restaurant, that expensive health treat or supplement from the fancy store, a massage for your stronger/sore muscles … anything that keeps contributing to your goals.
8- Perspective:
30 minutes of exercise make only 2 percent of your day, 1 hour only 4 percent.
It’s not a punishment, so chose habits you enjoy but that also challenge you to be healthier at all levels.
Health is not just absence of disease but living and enjoying an optimal quality of life in the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions.
Love yourself.