No one is perfect. We all have the greatest intentions when it comes to getting fit and staying on track with healthy living.
Despite persevering to achieve those goals or resolutions that you set for yourself at the beginning of the year, it’s easy to have lapses every now and then when it comes to looking after your health.
We make plans to change our diet and exercise more regularly as an ideal way to kick-start our healthy lifestyle but as time goes by, we notice that it is extremely difficult staying on track with healthy living and achieving our set goals.
Don’t fret! It happens to the best of us. The good news is that you are reading this article, and are taking the first steps into being your best self again!
Fail, but do not fail to try again!
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle ”
– Napoleon Hill
These are 5 tips for staying on track with healthy living;
Retrace Your Steps
At the beginning of the new year you were among those who wrote down their resolutions or goals, then you can go back to them, retrace your steps and figure out how to move forward with your goals.
If, on the other hand, you didn’t come up with any resolutions for the new year then it is important to have a plan so that when times get tough you can refer to them and come up with steps you can take to make changes that will help you reach your goals.
Avoid Procrastinating
One of the most common barriers to healthy living is time. Procrastinating is a time waster that hinders progress! It’s easy to let the worldy allurements slide into our normal life and make us put off our plans of healthy living.
Even if you find yourself enjoying the “moment”, you shouldn’t let that stop you from making a start on healthy living today. Don’t wait for tomorrow, next Monday or next month to put your plans of healthy living into action.
Start Small
In an attempt to make up for lost time most people tend to go over the top with getting fit and healthy.. this is wrong!
Whether you want to continue from where you left off or are starting from scratch in your journey to healthy living, it is important to always start small.
Your body isn’t what it used to be so it is advisable to set small and achievable goals that can be reevaluated over time.
Pay Attention to your Body
On your journey to healthy living, it is essential that you pay attention to your body and it’s needs. It’s okay to put in a little extra effort so as to avoid lapsing but you shouldn’t do too much or too little.
● Whenever you’re thirsty, don’t ignore it. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and wellness, especially in terms exercising as sweating can cause dehydration. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and lettuce are high in water and can help you stay hydrated.
● Get enough rest. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health, as it helps with memory consolidation, mood regulation, and boosting the immune system.
● Check your diet. Eating regular, balanced meals, reducing processed and high-fat foods, and increasing fiber-rich foods are important for your body. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can provide essential nutrients and energy while reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
● Measure and watch your weight. Keeping track of your body weight on a daily or weekly basis will help you see what you’re losing and/or what you’re gaining.
Think positive!
Keeping a positive mindset is a great strategy for achievement. Positive thinking lays the groundwork for positive mental health as a whole.
As you learn to think positive thoughts as a matter of habit, you can boost your self-esteem, lower your stress levels, and achieve a higher level of well-being as a whole.
Also, it’s important to know that small lapses can happen at any point in your journey to healthy living and its ok to have those setbacks.
What’s important is how you respond to those lapses..making plans, keeping a positive mindset and recognizing your achievements on your journey towards an overall healthier lifestyle no matter how big or small they may seem.
