1. Positive thoughts about yourself
You should not feel guilty or bad if you have not exercised or eaten healthily for a long time. You can change your lifestyle and create positive changes to improve your health. It is important to have a positive attitude. Believing in yourself is essential to changing your lifestyle, whether it is your health habits or anything else.
2. Set goals
Setting realistic goals can help you stay motivated and healthy. Setting yourself a realistic goal can keep you motivated. For example, if you want to start exercising or return to it, setting a time limit for your goals will help you stay on track. You could set a goal to be active at least a certain number of times per week, join a team sport, workout class or learn a specific yoga stretch. You can set goals for fitness and then stick to them with apps. Sign up for a charity event like a Parkrun or a mini marathon.
Goal setting examples include:
Walk a minimum of 5000 steps per day.
Swim 10 laps every time you visit the pool.
Evening cycling around your locality
3. Slight changes can lead to better choices.
If you are trying to change your eating habits and diet, it may be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are looking to make healthier food choices, you should start small. Choose one thing to change each day. If you feel you are eating too many processed foods or meats, you can choose to switch one meal a day from a meat-based dish to a more plant-based option.
It is important to remember that losing weight should not be the main focus when changing your diet. Focusing on the benefits of a healthy diet for your mind and body could be a better option.
4. Exercise in the way that is most comfortable for you
If you do not enjoy exercising or feel that you have little time, it can be difficult to remain motivated. You can easily fit in exercise without having to give up something you like. Even if you think you do not have time, you can fit in some exercise by making slight changes. For example, you could walk or cycle part of your commute or do exercises during your lunch break. To learn more about how to be available for exercise, read our article how to exercise when there is no time. You do not need to make major changes. Small habits can have an enormous impact over time.
5. Exercise with someone else
Exercise with a friend can help you stay motivated. You can encourage each other even on the days when you do not feel like it. You can challenge each other to go that extra mile when you exercise with another person. Exercise classes are a great motivator, as they allow you to feel like part of a group while having fun and working out.
6. Sleep enough
You will be more motivated to accomplish your goals if you get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Combining sleep with a healthy diet and regular exercise will give your body more energy. An increase in energy can keep you motivated, both to lead a healthy life and to do other things. Prioritizing yourself is well worth your time. A healthy lifestyle will improve your mood, concentration, and mental health.
