There are many small steps you can take to get back to better health. While making these changes over time, focus on small, gradual steps at first. Don’t overwhelm yourself with dramatic changes such as six-day-per-week workouts or going cold turkey on all your favorite foods.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
• Start with a can-do attitude. If you tell yourself that you have the power to make positive changes— and telling yourself that you can do it—you’ll be more likely to succeed. You’ll have more willpower when, for example, you’re tempted to make poor choices in eating and drinking.
• Develop and draw on a support system. Share your health goals with key people in your life. They may be able to help when you need encouragement. This can be anyone who’s on your side: a friend or workout partner, your family, or a supportive coworker.
• Try to become more active. We can all benefit from moving more, so take every opportunity to do so. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a bit further away from work and the store. Schedule a daily ten-minute walk outdoors. Take brief breaks during the day to stretch and move. It all adds up to better health.
• Focus on changing habits. Identify things that have not been healthy choices for you. Examples could be sugared sodas, fatty fried foods, or high-calorie processed snacks. When you’re tempted to indulge, step back and make a different choice. Substitute a veggie or fruit snack for the junk food. Grab a diet soda instead of the high-sugar variety. Drink a big glass of water.
• Finally, don’t give up. Getting healthier is a minute-by-minute process. It’s all about small choices you make throughout the day. Be confident that you can make a healthier choice, and don’t be hard on yourself if it takes a while to get with the program.
Exercise and Nutrition Tips for your Mind!
Adopt a healthier diet. Try to choose foods that are low in saturated and trans fat, and low in cholesterol. Also limit your intake of sugar, salt (sodium), and alcohol. This is a great way to
help your energy level and can help stimulate your mind too.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. You can get essential fiber from fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grain products, and nuts. You might begin by planning to eat at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal. Then increase that amount.
Get at least a little exercise each day.
Not only is exercise great for your body, it is also great for your emotional wellness!
Challenge yourself to boost your fitness. Set achievable exercise goals. Then when you achieve them, raise them! A lot of exercise is controlled by our brain and not our body.
Keep in mind, that small changes made in your health today, will mean big differences in your health tomorrow!