Everyone knows that having a healthy lifestyle can help you live a longer life, but how do you actually get started? It may be hard to start at first, but these research-based strategies can help you make healthier choices which help you reach your goals. Here are 5 simple steps on how to build healthy habits to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be!
The things you do on a regular basis often become habits. Whether it be washing your face as soon as you wake up or watching Netflix right after finishing your work day, you may not notice but these habits become automatic-- almost essential in your daily routine. Studies show that your brain is affected by habits that make you feel good in a way that makes them harder to break. That is why it is important to be mindful of the bad habits that you do on a daily basis in order to make the necessary changes. Maybe you eat instant noodles for breakfast because it’s quick and easy. Recognize what triggers your unhealthy habits and find ways to break those patterns to make way for new ones. Try to prepare your breakfast the night before so you can grab it and go in the morning. Overnight Oats are a good option since they are antioxidant-rich and high in fiber .
Like we mentioned before in 8 Tips on How To Get Started on Your Fitness Journey, it is important to create small and actionable SMART goals to help you reach your end result. Think of the things that you need to take into account to help you be successful in reaching your goal. Maybe it’s buying healthier food or making time to workout every morning. Figure out how you can change things that don’t align with what you want as well. It’s also important to make contingency plans for obstacles that might get in the way of your goal. Want to dine out but you think it will get in the way of your healthy eating? Try to look over menus ahead of time and determine which places offer options that can still help you work towards your goals.
Research shows that it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to 36 weeks to form a habit. Though this time period may seem broad, it’s important to remember that forming habits is all about how consistently you do something. If you want to start working out everyday, figure out ways to help you make that change. An easy way to do this is to find a program on REBEL like Rebel30 or Rebel10 with daily workouts, set an alarm everyday, and stick to it! The more you repeat this, the less you will need to think about it. Incorporating this daily habit into your life, or any habit in fact, will eventually become a part of your lifestyle.
In addition to developing a routine, it’s important to set yourself up for success. You should have a set of triggers or small reminders that can help motivate you to do the tasks that you planned for yourself. These can range from setting your jug next to you before you sleep, so you can drink water the first thing in the morning or preparing your yoga mat for your workout as soon as you wake up. Some say that successful people are insanely disciplined, but usually they are just good planners! Preparing in advance for the tasks that you set out makes it easier to go through with them. You’re more likely to make excuses, if you find it inconvenient to go through with the habit. With the right triggers, you will be able to stay consistent and continue your habits.
In the end, no matter how motivated you are in the beginning, you won’t feel that way at times when you are stressed and overwhelmed with the things going on around you. When you start making excuses, catch yourself and try to figure out why you’re doing it. What is preventing you from continuing these habits? There is always a reason, and with that a solution. Though creating new habits may be difficult at first, once you stick with it you will be able to reap rewards. Remember that motivation may come and go, therefore you must rely on your discipline. Realize that you are doing this to be the best version of yourself that you can be!
Now that you know how to build healthy habits, what habits should you start implementing in your life? Check out Daily Habits with Erwan and Jo on REBEL+ to learn more about the habits that you should start doing!
You can download the REBEL App for free to start your journey today.
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