Wellness depends on healthy habits. Behavioral habits are actions that we repeat without spending to much time thinking about them. Most of us find that it's difficult to change our daily routines, whether it's waking up early, eating mid-afternoon snacks, or watching Netflix for two hours every day. The practice of good habits is the key to improving our mental and physical health. The key to achieving a healthy, sustainable lifestyle is to make good decisions and stick to them. What's the best part? You can do it! Learn how to make healthy choices second nature by reading these tips!
Healthy habits: What are they?
We can define healthy habits as actions that we take, often without thinking about it, that contribute to our health. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and positive thinking all contribute to this goal. Although it might sound easy, it's not. Many of us know how to achieve our health goals, yet we struggle to stick to them.
1.The first is “why”
Old habits are very hard to break as the saying goes. That's why knowing why you're making a change is the first step to building healthy habits. Breaking away from your usual routine will likely be difficult without a good reason. Being more physically active as a result of your belief that it's what you "should" do won't work in the long term. Make your healthy habits something you care about; something you are willing to put in the time, effort, and struggle for. Going to the gym is more than just losing a few pounds; you gain strength, confidence, and can set an example for others. When you have found your perfect "why," keep it close to your heart, repeat it to yourself, and maybe even write it down.
2.Take small steps
Most of us find it difficult to sustain the level of motivation required for big behavioral changes. In the beginning, it's much easier to make small changes to your lifestyle if you want to change it. One way to change your diet is to add a few extra vegetables to one meal each day.
3.Create a habit stack
An existing routine is the best way to create a healthy habit. Observe your surroundings and your activities. While your coffee is brewing, do a short workout while you wait. Don't forget to remind yourself throughout the day. For example, you can pack your gym equipment and clothes for the next day before you go to bed. You can place your bag at the door so that you don't have to worry about it and you can grab it and go!
4.Show commitment
A new behavior can become habitual with repetition. The following is the statement of Dr. Amitai Shenhav, assistant professor of cognitive, linguistic, and psychological sciences at Brown University:
“Psychologists have been trying hard to understand what drives our habits for over a century, and one of the recurring questions is how much habits are a product of what we want versus what we do. Our model helps alot to answer that by suggesting that habits themselves are a product of our previous actions, but in certain situations those habits can be supplanted by our desire to get the best outcome.”
Simply by repeating them often enough, frequent exercise and eating healthy can become second nature. Every passing day will become easier if you stay committed to your goals.
5.Indulge yourself, but in ways that enhance your wellbeing
While you're trying to replace your bad habits, rewarding yourself when you get on track is a good idea. This does not mean, however, that you should give in to your unhealthy cravings! Choosing a healthier dessert as a reward after a long week of healthy eating can help you consume less sugar in the long run. Make a delicious fruit smoothie instead of consuming a tub of ice cream.
Though habit is a common component of our day-to-day activities, that doesn't mean that we can't change things up and create good habits. Making our physical and mental health a priority is the only way to ensure our healthy habits don't disappear within a few weeks or months.
Motivate yourself, be determined, and follow these tips to see how quickly your life can change.
