So you want to get healthy? Congratulations! That is a huge and commendable goal. You might be wondering where to get started, how to make resolutions, and how to keep them. Here are some ideas to help you on your way.
Start small
While it might be tempting to set huge goals like dropping 50 pounds, running a marathon or even going to the gym every day, those large resolutions can easily be broken. To make goal setting, and attaining, easier and more fun, consider setting smaller goals that will help you attain your larger goal. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, consider setting your first goal as being able to run 5 miles. Once you achieve that goal, you can up it to 10 miles or even a halfway mark of 7.5 miles.
Journal your current habits
It’s hard to know what goals to set unless you really know what needs to be improved in your life. It’s also difficult to establish your goals if you don’t have a realistic idea of what the changes are going to mean to your life. Journal your habits for a month. What do you eat? Do you get enough sleep? Are you stressed? What is your work routine? How much time do you spend on fun? When do you exercise? Document this information, without making any changes to your life. Document without judgment and assess your routines and habits at the end of the month. Now you know where you can improve and how to go about it.
Talk to your doctor
Your doctor has a good understanding of your current physical condition. Doctors can be an excellent resource of both dietary and exercise information. They’ll also be able to offer guidance about how to get started on your goals.
Consider simple lifestyle improvements rather than lofty goals
Simple plans like drinking water during the day instead of soda can offer a huge health benefits and can be more challenging than you might imagine. Take a look at your habits and see where you can improve. If you normally don’t exercise, why not add walking each day to your routine rather than deciding you’re going to run 10 miles.
Do what makes you happy
What do you love to do? What is on your list of things you want to learn or do in your lifetime? Take one of those things, whether it is skydiving, quitting smoking, getting a dog or writing that novel – and do it. Don’t wait!
