Healthy Habits
It’s January , which means it’s the time of year for fresh starts. The new calendar year is a great time to try on a new healthy habit, but if you didn’t start on January 1, never fear. Every sunrise is a new opportunity to start something new.
They say it takes about 21 days to make a habit stick. So when you are planning a new healthy habit, make sure you give yourself at least three weeks to make this new habit a part of your routine. Some healthy habits you might be thinking about could be getting to bed at a certain time so you can sleep 6-8 hours per night, or eating one additional serving of vegetables every day, or calling your best friend once a week, or saving a certain amount of money per month.
Here are some examples for coming out successful at establishing these habits. Some strategies for transforming a new action to a stable habit, are:
Make it easy.
Make it fun.
Pair the action to something else.
Track it.
Recruit a friend.
Here are some examples of how to use these strategies:
You can make it easier to eat one extra serving of vegetables by treating yourself to pre-chopped carrots or bell peppers, and put them right in front on the shelf in the fridge that’s closest to eye level.
You can make exercise easier by keeping a bag with all your gear in the car, so you don’t have to spend extra time every morning packing your running shoes and water bottle. You can pair your bedtime routines, for example, after dinner you can turn off your phone when you go to brush your teeth.
You can use a paper calendar, dry erase board, or journal to mark every time you connect with your friend. This could also provide a fun reminder of your conversations.
Speaking of fun, you can make all of this more fun by doing it with your partner, your kids, or a friend that will hold you accountable. If you like contests, you can make it fun to see who gets to 21 days of consistent new healthy habits first. Decide on an appropriate, healthy prize and that’s some positive reinforcement too!
An important healthy habit is to have a well check at least once a year or as recommended. This is your reminder to reach out and schedule your well check, come see us, and tell us which healthy actions you are working to incorporate. How are you making sure you’ll turn those healthy actions into healthy habits?
Here’s to a healthy, happy, more meaningful and fulfilling 2023.
Come see us soon!
