START 2024 RIGHT WITH THESE 4 HEALTHY HABITS
In fact, it's a great time to make changes for the better. But a goal without a plan is just a wish. Success has to be scheduled!
So I'm going to give you some tips on how to not just focus on your health, but help you translate them into habits that stick.
Good quality sleep is free medicine!
Goal: Go to bed by 10:00 pm and aim for eight hours of sleep.
If that feels like too much of a stretch, take your typical bedtime and move it back by half an hour. Then decide how much time it takes you to get ready for bed and set a timer that goes off so you know you need to start winding down in order to get to bed on time.
2-EXERCISE
Exercise (especially morning) helps with energy, hormone regulation, better quality sleep, blood sugar regulation and circadian rhythm regulation.
Goal: Exercise for 15-30 minutes every morning outside
This might feel like a huge goal especially since it's winter. First decide what you enjoy doing for exercise. Maybe biking, jogging or walking. Look at your morning routine and see where it's most feasable to fit it in. Try habit stacking by exercising while listening to your favorite morning podcast, while praying, listening to the Bible, exercising with your spouse for connection, after you drop your kiddos off at school or with a friend.
3- DRINK WATER
Drinking water helps flush toxins out of our system, supports focus and energy and can reduce pain and stress.
Goal: Drink half your body weight in ounces
Start with getting a water bottle and having it with you at all times. Take it with you in the car, to work, use it at home and when you travel. Figure out how many water bottles you need to drink to meet your goal and track it throughout the day.
4- CONNECTION
We all need a sense of belonging. Connection with people we love provides that safe place, helps us to be seen and valued for who we are. Connection can help regulate blood pressure, calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Goal: Schedule a time every month to connect with someone you enjoy being with.
This can be a scheduled on a specific day every month, a Bible study, play date with other moms, a walk with a friend or just a time to meet and chat over coffee.
With all of these goals, there needs to be accountability and motivation to do them long enough for them to become habits.
- Try finding an accountabiillty partner who also wants to work on establishing habits. Connect every day to see how you are doing.
- Make a chart or graph with your goals and check the box or get a sticker for everytime you meet your goals. There is something powerful in seeing the progress (and it helps us know how we are actually doing versus what we think we are doing).
- Hire a coach to help you stay on track. This may seem drastic but sometimes we need to have some skin in the game to get where we want to go.
- Celebrate! Set rewards that are motivating to you and celebrate when you meet your goals. Seeing progress creates momentum to keep going.
This is just an example of what I help you with inside my Personalized Wellness Program. It's full of recommendations, support and accountability to help you create the changes you want and feel energetic, happier and yourself again!
Happy 2024! Have a great year everyone!