I sense that a bit of a fizzle-out is happening among some of us when it comes to maintaining our healthy lifestyle goals. Has the excitement that accompanied setting your New Year’s resolutions begun to peter out?
Let’s be honest: we start off in January with tremendous zeal regarding our wellness plans and health-related new habits, but the novelty seems to wear off quickly. February rolls around, and we’re left wondering why we even bothered setting intentions and resolutions again this year. I won’t even talk about how empty the gym is now that January is over!
It’s not easy to maintain your motivation to stay healthy, even when you’re on the right track. For example, when you’re eating healthier meals, temptation may lure you back to your old, junk-food-filled ways. If you’re having an awful day and reach for a pint of ice cream when you get home to fill that comfort food void, guilt over that one choice can send you reeling and doubting your ability to achieve and sustain your health goals.
But, keep up you must. If you’re not sure how to move on and not call off the whole “I’m going to stay healthy and happy this year” thing, I’m here to share some fresh inspiration. Here are some tried-and-true ways to keep motivated to stay healthy.
Remember your “why”
Why did you even want to pursue a healthy lifestyle? Was it because your doctor warned you about your deteriorating health and the potential onset of a chronic disease? Was it because you were sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Or was it because of your desire to consistently have the energy to hang with kids, family, and friends? Whatever the reason, getting back to your “why” will create a sort of ground zero from which you can replenish your motivation to get to that healthy and happy place that you envisioned.
Defuse negativity
If you’re feeling unmotivated because you gobbled down a bag of chocolates after a horrid day at work, zoom in on the most positive aspect of your day or week and channel your thoughts in that direction. Recognize your slip-up for what it is: part of the growing process. Everyone–and I mean everyone–falls short on their healthy lifestyle journey. Been there, done that; still doing it from time to time! Put your wellness faux-pas behind you and look to the future with kindness toward yourself.
Take up the healthy lifestyle challenge
Any mom can tell you that you can get a kid to devour dinner if you attach a small challenge to eating that meal. Try the same trick with yourself. When you envisage a healthy lifestyle as something to conquer and win, you triggers a strong desire to come out on top. Think of a reward you can attach to motivating yourself daily to embrace healthy living. Make a game out of it and go for the gold!
Create a timeline to a healthy lifestyle
When you are working toward your health goals, aiming to lose 50 pounds can feel impossible, especially when the scale is slow to budge in your favor. Instead of focusing on that big end-goal, create a timeline in which you’ll achieve a series of doable mini-goals. Be reasonable as you create those objectives. Make them tangible. As you complete each one, you’ll feel yourself drawing closer to the end result, and you’ll be really proud of yourself for getting past each mini-goalpost.
Get support for your healthy lifestyle
Sometimes we lack motivation because we feel like we’re all by ourselves, on our own little island in our pursuit of wellness. In reality, however, there are thousands of other persons out there trying to do what you’re attempting. Whether you need a workout buddy or someone who loves to share healthy recipes, you’ll get the support you need by joining a group of people who share similar goals with you. Try a virtual group that aligns with your goals (think Facebook groups), or check out an in-person group in your area, such as a Meetup group.
Quitting is the easiest thing to do, but staying motivated as you adopt a healthy lifestyle takes grit, perseverance, and courage. I encourage you to take the challenge of healthy living head-on. When you achieve your goals, you’ll look back with pride when you realize what your motivation and determination produced!
Let me know in the comments what your “why” is–what keeps you motivated to live that healthy lifestyle.
I think I skipped the first two weeks in January at the gym so I missed the January rush if there was one. I know it’s just as important to eat right as it is to workout but it hard to meet in the middle with both. I’m either doing good with one or the other. Working out makes me hungry and then I make the wrong choices when I grad something instead of planning out what I’m going to eat.
Kenya recently posted…Letter to @MissyElliot
Okay, so you basically know what you need to do, Kenya: have good choices on hand for when you’re hungry after a workout, and plan out what you’re going to eat when those hunger barbs hit. Go for it!