It’s the new year and now is the time of year we’re thinking about resolutions. And often that involves our health.
But what if we looked at resolutions differently this year? Instead of focusing on limiting our foods, working out more, and generally adding more stress to our lives, let’s focus on healthy habits to create balance in all areas of our lives.
Food Balance
The misconception is that you have to be “all in” in whatever diet you’re on in order to see results. But that’s not true at all. Shift your mindset away from “all or nothing” because it’s sabotaging your goals.
The more you continue to let the all or nothing mindset rule your life the farther away your goals will be. If you continue to start and stop something you aren’t making any progress. Instead, if you have an “off” day just focus on the very next meal or snack to be healthy and commit to making healthy choices again the next day too. Stopping won’t get you anywhere.
Instead, focus on small habits like eating a high fiber breakfast or drinking enough water. When you’re living a mostly healthy life you don’t need to sweat the other “fun foods” you want to enjoy. Don’t let there be any room for guilt.
In fact, I think it’s important we leave room for the foods we enjoy. And as your taste buds get used to eating healthy, you may be surprised that you don’t want the unhealthy stuff as much.
Exercise Balance
Exercise isn’t just for weight loss. The more we understand that, the easier it will be to make it a habit. Exercise has so many benefits. It relieves stress, reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, increases energy levels, and helps you sleep better.
Exercise doesn’t have to mean grinding it at the gym for an hour. Any sort of intentional movement will benefit you. Whether that’s a 15-minute walk, doing squats every time you go into the kitchen, or standing up to take calls for work – these are all powerful ways to be intentional in moving your body.
And it’s okay to start small with this. If you aren’t currently working out don’t expect to workout every single day right away. Start small by moving your body 1-2 times a week and then gradually add on days or longer workouts.
Healthy Habits Create Balance
Habits are powerful and help you create balance in any area of your life. And when it comes to creating balance with food and exercise it’s okay to start small. Starting small will make it more manageable. You’ll be more likely to stick to your new habit as a result. You can have big goals but it’s important to break them down, get specific, and be consistent.
Habits create balance because you won’t get derailed if you eat a cookie or two or if you miss a workout because of something unexpected. You just continue eating healthy or get right back at it the next day.
I would love to know how you are going to create balance in your own life this year. Are you focusing on nutrition or exercise? What’s one habit you can start implementing today?
Cheering you on as you create balance and healthy habits!
