How to create a healthy(er) lifestyle

Do you have a goal to create an overall healthy lifestyle? Whether that is eating healthier, doing more exercise or focusing on your mental health, this lifestyle change will take time and patience. You may find that some days, it can be hard to stay motivated. When you feel like giving up, it’s important to take action in small ways to make sure you stay on track and accomplish your goals.

Here are a few tricks to help you stay focused:

1. Be prepared – if exercise is your focus then try and plan on getting it done first thing in the morning, before life gets in the way.  Also have your exercise gear laid out and / or your gym bag packed with all your essentials the night before. This way, you can wake up and walk straight out the door knowing you have everything you need. Make sure to have your alarm set so you don’t sleep in. Pop the alarm away from your bed, so that you have to get out of bed to turn it off.  You could even have a few alarms that go off every 5-10 minutes to ensure you don’t fall back asleep! If its nutritious meals you struggle with, try some meal planning and prepping here. This has changed our lives!!

2. Create a routine – Whether that is practicing yoga in the morning, meditating at lunchtime or going for a nice walk after work, creating a routine and sticking to it will help you stay on track. Some days this can be hard, but just remember a little is always better than nothing. So if things go pear-shaped, use a Plan B and just get done what you can.  No time for a full hour at the gym – 15 mins in your living room can reap big rewards.  Missed your lunchtime meditation – 10 deep, slow, belly breaths can help to calm your sympathetic nervous system. And remember, guilt serves NOBODY, so instead of feeling bad about what you didn’t do, focus on your successes throughout the day. 

3. Make a commitment – sign up to your classes online.  Arrange to meet a friend.  Set reminders in your phone.  Commit to your goal, like you would any other appointment. Try and ensure that your life is planned around your commitment as much as possible – that this becomes your non-negotiable. 

4. Track your progress – It’s important to keep track of your progress to keep you motivated, but to also make sure you are on the right path to achieving your healthy lifestyle goal. You can do this weekly, monthly or whenever it suits you. This can either help you find areas for improvement or celebrate your achievements. There are many apps that you can use to track your progress.or you can journal along the way too.  Writing things down always holds extra meaning for us. 

5. Reward yourself – This can help ensure that with whatever you do, be it exercise, regular meditation or recovery, or eating nutritious food, you give it your all. Putting in the hard work will make your reward that much more special! Rewards shouldn’t be food related, they should, however, be time-out to focus on yourself or maybe that piece of jewellery you’ve had your eye on! 

Some other ways you can reward yourself are:

• • Read a book you enjoy
  • Watch one or two episodes of your favourite show, guilt-free
  • Enjoy an at-home spa day
  • Get a manicure/pedicure
  • Take yourself out to breakfast
  • Make a gourmet dessert

Reward yourself with things that will motivate you and help you get off the couch and get moving.

When looking to create a healthy lifestyle think long term – like ‘the rest of your life’ stuff. This is an investment in your future YOU.  Healthy habits can be so rewarding and should become part of your everyday.  What are you going to start with today?  Let us know below….. 

Anna & Em xo