Being healthy can be so hard in today’s busy society. Days are long; time is short. We opt for convenience and efficiency to try to make the most of our days. But… are we making the most of our health?
If you’re reading this, you’ve already been thinking that you want to make some changes that will help you work toward optimal wellness. Maybe you’ve already started putting those thoughts into action, or maybe you’re still contemplating where to begin. Either way, there are five mental steps you can take to help you cultivate better health and fuel your motivation to keep moving forward.
Have a general idea of what you want to achieve
The first step seems basic: figure out what you want to achieve. But it’s important to differentiate what you want to achieve from what you are trying to get yourself to do.
Why do you want to achieve the idea you formulated above? Instead of thinking “I need to start eating salads for lunch”, replace it with what that would be helping you to achieve, for example: “I want to form the habit of eating healthier.”
Figure out your why
Why do you want to achieve the idea you formulated above? Don’t stop there. Bring your inner 4-year-old out to play! Keep asking yourself WHY until you can’t dig any deeper.
Example: I want to have more energy (but why?) so I can play with my kids (but why?) because it’s important to me to play a physically active role in their life (but why?) because it both sets an example of a healthy lifestyle and creates memories that they’ll look back on and cherish.
Create a visual destination
You’ve probably heard of a vision board. They are one way that you can create a vision and can be super helpful, but if they aren’t your cup of tea, don’t get discouraged. You can easily create a visual in your mind by picturing your future. What does your ideal life look like 5 years from now? What are you doing? How do you feel? It’s important to have an idea of what you’re working toward, otherwise how will you know if you’re getting closer, or when you’ve finally arrived?
Example: Visualize what it would look like to be physically active, playing with your kids, and setting that good example. Does it mean being able to get down on the floor to play with toys? Does it mean running around a soccer field? Nail down what it looks like to you.
Create a visual process
Take your visual one step further and visualize the process. What do you see yourself doing to achieve your ideal vision of your life?
Example: If your ideal vision is being able to run up and down a soccer field with your kid, what action steps would help you to do that? How do you need to treat or prepare your body for that activity?
Solidify your goals – and be realistic
Set your goals and keep them SMART (what are SMART goals? Learn more here.). Remember that part of SMART goals is making sure they are realistic. Don’t be afraid to break your goals down into “baby steps” – because a step forward, no matter what size, is a step in the right direction.
Example: “My goal is to consistently increase my vegetable intake to six servings per day by the end of the month, to help provide the right fuel for my body.”
Want help with any of the steps above? Or just need additional support and accountability? Schedule an appointment with our functional medicine health coach by calling our front desk at 952-949-0676.
