We’ve all been there – whether it’s work deadlines, kids’ after-school programs, taking care of aging parents, a busy social life…it is not always easy to find the time or energy for a lifestyle change.
Sometimes not making a change seems to be the easiest option.
After all:
- I don’t have time to cook healthy meals every day,
- I am too exhausted after a long day to exercise,
- The thought of making changes is stressing me out even more…
Here’s the thing, making a lifestyle change is not always easy but neglecting your health is not a good option either. Not taking care of yourself in the present often results in having to deal with more health complications in the future. Keep in mind that trying to change everything at once is also not the best way to go about making a lasting lifestyle change. Easy does it…
5 Habits for an Easy Lifestyle Change
Here are 5 simple steps that will help you stick with your lifestyle changes and make the process easy and enjoyable.
Ask Yourself -Why am I Making This Change?
Before you can fully commit to a lifestyle change, take a moment to focus on why you are doing it in the first place. What is the end result you are trying to achieve? How would you feel if you had already achieved your health and wellness goals? How would that impact your life? What are some of things you would now be able to do that would improve your quality of life? Once you have that figured out, use it as motivation to keep you on the right path.
Plan Your Meals
There’s nothing more discouraging than coming home after a long day, feeling tired and hungry and trying to figure out what’s for dinner – usually take-out wins ☹. Here is an easy fix – spend a couple of hours on the weekend creating a menu plan for the week and prepping meals.
Make it a fun thing for the whole family to do. You can cook in batches and freeze portions for lunches and dinners. This way you’ll have food ready to heat up when you are hungry and tired. Remember, eating healthy is one of the most important aspects of a positive lifestyle change.
Make Time for Exercise
Say, you come home exhausted after a long day at work and all you feel like doing is taking it easy. Whatever your level of fitness, you can still incorporate some form of movement even if you’re watching TV. This could include simple stretches, bod weight exercises, jumping on a rebounder or using an elliptical. This turns that time in front of the TV into a workout and not just a vegging out session.
Breathe to Destress and Recharge Your Batteries
We are so busy and hectic that we forget to breathe. Yes, our autonomic nervous system makes sure that air is coming in and out and the basic physiological function is fulfilled but breathing consciously and being present in your body is extremely important and empowering.
Deep breathing is our access to instant calm, peace, and relaxation. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, in a long meeting or listening to your child’s fifth tantrum of the day, STOP and TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS and RECENTER.
Pause and Meditate
Meditation doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or mystical, nor time-consuming. I am not suggesting sitting quietly in a meditative state for hours, it could be as simple as taking a walk on your lunch break. Feeling the breeze on your face, listening to the birds… Just being present for a few moments… Also, getting off of your cellphone, Facebook, news, emails – simply unplugging for a few minutes and becoming aware of yourself as an integral part of this world. You are meant to be healthy and happy.
You CAN do this!
If you notice a lot of resistance and self-sabotage coming up, a Reiki Session might be what you need to overcome these blocks and patterns.
It is not enough to just hear what you need to do and go home with a list of do’s and don’t. As a Nutritionist and Reiki Practitioner, I am here to guide and inspire you to make the lifestyle changes and turn them into lasting results.
Request an appointment today to learn how we can help you.
Better Living Wellness Clinic
416-249-1895
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