How To Build Healthy Habits
Posted on
Have you stuck to your New Year's resolutions? Did you try to start building healthy habits?
Chances are February brought failure for those striving towards new goals: two in three people abandon their resolutions within a month of setting them. This is usually due to unrealistic expectations and unsustainable new routines, both of which leave us exhausted and unmotivated just a few weeks into the year.
If you are keen to make a fresh attempt at meeting your resolutions or embed successful changes into your daily routine, take a look at this guide for how to build healthy habits in 2023 and beyond.
Get moving
Whether your resolution is to give up something toxic, improve your health, or achieve a long-held dream, physical activity can play a vital part in your success.
Regular exercise helps to balance your mood and produces endorphins which negate the need for finding hits of happiness elsewhere. This will keep you peaceful and positive as you focus on tackling your goal.
Working out in the gym is a great option, particularly when the weather is poor, but nothing beats exercising outdoors. Get moving on your own two feet with a social walk or an independent jog.
You could also consider cycling which has the added benefit of being an eco-friendly way of getting you from A to B. If cycling on roads, take precautions to protect yourself: incidents involving bikes and cars are common reasons for accident claims, but risks can be minimised by wearing appropriate safety gear and cycling safely on the road.
Take small steps
One of the main reasons that we tend to give up on new goals is that we start too hard out of the gate. Many of us are guilty of setting overly ambitious goals and expecting overnight transformations. However, this approach is not only unrealistic, but also unsustainable.
The key to achieving long-term success is to take small steps towards your goals. These small changes may seem insignificant at first, but over time, they can accumulate and lead to big improvements.
Taking small steps also helps to reduce feelings of overwhelm and allows you to build confidence as you progress. Celebrate each small success and use it as motivation to continue on your journey.
Remember that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are a normal part of any journey towards self-improvement. By focusing on small steps, you can create sustainable habits that will help you reach your goals and maintain your progress in the long run.
Create routine
It's important to remember that progress is not always linear. There will be days when you feel more motivated and energetic, and other days when you may feel sluggish or unmotivated. It's normal to experience peaks and troughs on your journey towards achieving your goals.
That's why creating a routine is crucial. By establishing a consistent routine, you'll be able to maintain momentum and make progress, even on days when you don't feel like it. Whether you're trying to improve your fitness, learn a new skill, or develop a healthy habit, consistency is key.
Rather than focusing on huge gains each day, aim to make small, sustainable improvements over time. This approach will help you avoid burnout and make steady progress towards your goals.
Remember, the journey towards self-improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. By taking small steps and creating a consistent routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving success.
Focus on nourishment
Just as exercise helps to keep you balanced and support your motivation, food plays an important role in your efforts to succeed at your resolutions. Nourishing your body with the right vitamins, avoiding too much sugar or processed foods, and drinking plenty of water will all have a positive impact on your mood.
It will also help with healing, looking good and feeling good. Help your body to help you by eating the right foods and fueling it properly..
A great diet will also aid sleep and give you more energy overall, both of which can be big contributors in helping you to build and maintain new healthy habits.
Find an accountability partner
Building healthy habits can be challenging, but having someone to hold you accountable can make it easier. Consider finding a friend, family member, or even a professional coach to help keep you on track.
An accountability partner can help you set realistic goals, provide encouragement, and help you overcome obstacles along the way. They can also offer a fresh perspective and new ideas to help you stay motivated and engaged in the process.
Track your progress
Keeping track of your progress is an essential part of building healthy habits. It helps you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Use a journal, an app, or a habit tracker to monitor your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Tracking your progress can also help you identify patterns and make adjustments as needed to keep moving forward.
Practice mindfulness
Overall better health is a holisitc practice. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing can be powerful tools for building healthy habits. They can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness, making it easier to stay motivated and make healthy choices.
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine by setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or engage in other mindfulness exercises.
Get enough sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining good health and building healthy habits. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep routine to help improve the quality of your sleep.
Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and make it easier to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Stay positive
Building healthy habits takes time and effort, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of focusing on your failures, try to stay positive and focus on your successes. Celebrate each small win and use it as motivation to keep going.
Surround yourself with positivity by seeking out supportive friends and family members, engaging in activities that make you happy, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
Remember that building healthy habits is a journey, and that every step counts towards a healthier, happier you.
The bottom line on how to build healthy habits
In summary, building healthy habits is a process that requires patience, consistency, and self-compassion. To build healthy habits you should:
- Get moving
- Take small steps
- Create routine
- Focus on nourishment
- Find an accountability partner
- Track your progress
- Practice mindfulness
- Get enough sleep
- Stay positive
By implementing these tips and strategies, you can create sustainable habits that will support your overall health and well-being, not just for 2023 but for years to come.