Every year, people make resolutions to improve their health and well-being. Whether it’s to lose weight, exercise more, or eat healthier, these resolutions often fall by the wayside after a few weeks or months. However, it’s widely believed that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, and that’s exactly what I found to be true in my own journey. In this blog, I’ll share with you the steps I took to form healthy habits that have changed my life for the better.
The Importance of Setting a Realistic Workout Schedule
One of the first things I did to improve my health was to set a realistic workout schedule. I was already quite active, but I wanted to increase my weight training by one day extra. My work week is often consistent, so I picked a new day that works for this additional workout. The key to success is to stick with it, even if your workout time slot needs to change for whatever reason. Whether you’re a morning person or an evening person, find a time that works for you and stick to it.
The Benefits of Meal Planning and Preparation
Meal planning and preparation was a game changer for me. Whether you’re trying to gain muscle, lose weight, or just be healthier, prepping meals ahead of time keeps you on track, even on the days you’re super busy and feel like you’ve not got time to cook. I found that having healthy food options readily available made it easier for me to make good choices and avoid reaching for junk food. Whether you meal prep for the week or just for a few days at a time, this simple habit can have a big impact on your health and wellness.
The Power of Accountability
Being accountable for your own progress is a powerful motivator. To keep myself motivated, I created a fitness spreadsheet for myself, where I plan my workouts (so I’m not going into the gym unsure what to do), track my weightlifting progress, and measure my body for physical progress. Having someone else to keep you accountable can also make a big difference. Whether it’s a friend or partner, you can motivate each other and hold each other accountable. For me, it’s my fiancé, and we motivate each other every day, especially on the days we don’t want to workout. But it’s also important to listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
The Benefits of Forming Healthy Habits
Since I started forming these healthy habits at the end of December 2022, I’ve already seen a ton of benefits. I sleep better, wake up more energized, and feel better in my body and mindset. These benefits motivate me to keep going, and I’m confident that the positive impact of forming healthy habits will only continue to grow. Whether you’re just starting out or have been working on your health and wellness for a while, these simple habits can make a big difference in your life.
In conclusion, forming healthy habits takes time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. From improved sleep to increased energy and better physical and mental well-being, the benefits of sticking to a workout schedule, meal planning and preparation, and being accountable for your progress are immeasurable. So start today and see how forming healthy habits can change your life for the better.
Shannon Purcell Media 