How to Create Healthy Habits

With all of this virus stuff going on our lives have made a major shift. I personally feel like I am spending so much more time sitting behind the computer. Though it has only been a few short weeks of quarantine I feel like I need to remind myself how important it is to create and stick to healthy habits. That is why I decided to take a few moments to jot down a few of my favorite ways to create healthy habits and to make them stick.

We all need a little reminder from time to time. Here is what I do.

1:Ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve?”: Think of a gaol, make it specific and time bound then write it down. Put it somewhere you will see it multiple times a day. The more you revisit this goal in your mind the more you will set an intention to make it happen.

2:Start Small: Practice making small goals a success. If you set the bare too high at first you run the risk of feeling overwhelmed and giving up. Think about it, if you have never run before you would not set out to run a marathon right off the bat. If you did chances are you wouldn’t even make it out the door. You would be better off starting with a mile and working your way up. The mind has an easier time digesting something new in smaller bits. Remember, each time you reach a small goal acknowledge it as a big success. Then remind yourself your practicing for those bigger hopes and dreams.

3:Do A Little Everyday: Trying something new takes commitment. Studies show that it can take anywhere from 18 to 66 days to make a habit stick. It can take a long time to create a habit but the key is commitment. If you do a little every day the little bits become the habit making way for opportunity to explore new experiences. Don’t worry about killing your workouts everyday. On your off days try breaking up the long computer sessions with a quick walk or a few stretches to get the blood flowing. Make this the new norm.

4:Reward Yourself: Trying something new can be scary and uncomfortable. That’s why I always have a backup plan. I write down what habit I want to create in my life then I think of a reward which is usually a walk in nature with my dog. Think of one thing you love and use that as a reward and use it to keep you motivated. Maybe it’s planning an exercise date with a friend or listening to your favorite audio book while jogging. These immediate rewards will help you stay on track and make those habits a success.

So here is the fun part. Now you get to go out and make your dreams a reality. Set some small, attainable goals, write them down, get out there everyday and make them stick. Don’t forget to reward yourself and try to have fun. Be aware of every habit that is a success and give yourself a pat on the back for each small success you have. The more you try to create what you want in this life the more you grow.