It can be intimidating to implement healthier habits. This is partly due to the fact that most people believe it requires drastic measures like eliminating all their favorite foods or committing to intense workouts on a daily basis. The Omnia Health team is here to let you in on a little secret: change doesn’t have to be scary!
We help our patients focus on gradual adjustments and embracing the journey, allowing them to ease into a healthier lifestyle without fear or frustration. Here are some ways you can make healthy adjustments feel more manageable and *gasp* even enjoyable.
1. Start Small
Doing too much too soon is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to improve their health. Transitioning from a somewhat sedentary lifestyle to attempting intense daily workouts can have a negative impact both physically and mentally. Consider starting with one or two small changes.
For example, swap soda for water throughout the week or take a 20-minute daily walk after work. These goals are easy to attain, making them more manageable over the long haul. Once they become part of your routine, you can build upon them in order to get more significant results.
2. Be Realistic
This piece of advice is directly related to the abovementioned point. When identifying your health-related goals, it’s important to make them specific goals that are within reach. Rather than aiming to lose 20 pounds in a month or making a generic statement of “I’m going to exercise more,” try committing to three gym workouts each week. A measurable, attainable goal like this will allow you to track progress. You will be more likely to stay motivated and optimistic as you begin seeing results.
3. Make It Fun
Healthy lifestyle changes are often viewed as being boring or unpleasant. We’re here to let you know that making better choices for your body doesn’t have to center around painful exercise and tasteless diets. It’s possible to find activities you enjoy and delicious, nutritious recipes. When you view this chapter of your health journey as a fun adventure rather than a punishment, you’ll reap the benefits of a positive mindset.
4. Focus On Adding
A common fear surrounding lifestyle changes is feeling deprived. For this reason, it’s a good idea to shift your attention to what you can add as opposed to focusing on what you need to cut out of your life. So instead of eliminating desserts or junk food, think of ways you can incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. When you make your goals centered on nourishing your body instead of depriving it, healthy changes feel more like an opportunity than a restriction.
5. Company Is Healthy
Making changes is much easier when you have a support system in place. Tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your goals, and ask them to encourage you along the way. You can even find a buddy to make the changes with you.
Having someone to join you on a walk or cook healthy meals with you can act as a source of accountability. There are also online communities and social media groups dedicated to people who are making healthy lifestyle changes, offering both practical tips, emotional support and motivation.
6. Say Goodbye to Perfection
When working toward health-related goals, the fear of failure always seems to make its presence known. People stress about missing a workout, eating an unhealthy meal, or falling short of whatever it is they set out to accomplish. The main thing to remember is that healthy living isn’t about being perfect every day.
We need to embrace that slip-ups are part of the process. Don’t allow a setback to discourage you from moving forward. Learn from your mistakes and give yourself grace – it’s one of the healthiest things you can do.
7. Know Your Stuff
One of the best ways to overcome worry and doubt is through education. When you are looking to take control of your health, it’s imperative to learn more about the best way to go about achieving optimal wellbeing. There are countless choices surrounding exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress-management.
That being said, understanding the benefits of what you’re doing can help alleviate fears and reinforce why it’s worth the effort. Read books, articles and blogs, listen to podcasts, or talk to healthcare professionals about the changes you want to make. When you’re well-informed, making healthy choices becomes less daunting and more empowering.
Be Patient and Trust the Process
Healthy lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Patience is key. Trust that each small change is a step in the right direction. Remember that you’re making these changes for your long-term health and happiness, and with Functional Medicine experts like Omnia Health on your side, your goals are definitely within reach. Contact us today to get started.
