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Developing Healthy Habits: How to Start Making Healthy Changes in Your Life

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Popular to contrary belief, it does not take 21 days to create a habit. Realistically it takes however long it needs to – depending on the time, effort, and energy you choose to put in. That being said, you do not need to revolve your life around your new healthy habit(s); find ways to fit them into your day-to-day life rather than allowing them to swallow it whole. To have your new habits stick you want to have fun with them. Here are 5 ways to help get that new habit to stick.

Start with your headspace. 

Decide if you are ready to create this change, weigh the pro’s and con’s of the habit (hopefully there are more pro’s) and be sure you understand why you want to make this change e.g. to be stronger, to feel happier, to have an outlet etc. Creating healthy habits is about creating sustainable change. Consider behaviours you can adopt that you’ll be more likely to stick with over time.

Slow & steady wins the race

Small, incremental steps are the best way to implement any habit. These small steps help you move towards your goal(s) with success! For instance, if you want to reduce stress try meditating for 5 minutes 1-2 times a week, then try for 3-4 times etc. Then try moving your time up from 5-7-10 minutes and so forth. It takes  practice, time, and patience.

Identify your triggers and plan head

Knowing your triggers is big. Which is why you should really be paying attention to the things that make you want to continue with your unhealthy habits. To combat these triggers, create new and healthy triggers! For example leaving your running shoes at the front door or beside your bed to inspire you to workout first thing! Find healthy triggers that work for you.  Set realistic goals and be sure to track your progress.

Motivation is(n’t) your friend

Motivation is a big key to staying on track with your new habits, but sadly you shouldn’t rely on it alone. Motivation wears off, so when it does have systems in place to keep you on track, or just continue to ride your wave until you find the motivation again, but  don’t give up.

Like what you do and do what you like

A healthy life should not feel like a hassle or a chore. Think of ways to support your healthy lifestyle in ways that suit YOU. Find something that empowers and excites you! Having fun while creating and keeping healthy habits is a sure fire way to ensure your habits will stick and stay!

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