Over the past two months, we’ve been discussing the difference between focusing on weight loss and focusing on healthy behaviors (you can catch up by reading this and this!).  But what exactly are the behaviors that will lead to living our best, healthiest lives?

For starters, it’s not the typical “overhaul everything in my life that’s unhealthy and only do healthy things from here on out” sort of lifestyle.

If you’ve ever tried that approach, you know it’s extremely hard to maintain.  Instead, we advocate for a more gracious approach in light of all the things you’re already doing in your life:  working, parenting, going to school, maintaining relationships, being awesome, etc.

So, to keep us from the all or nothing approach, a helpful way to think about these behaviors is through a simple check-in with yourself.  Ask “Am I pursuing this already?” and if so, take a moment to celebrate the ways you’re currently prioritizing your health and the benefits these behaviors have brought to your life.  If you’re not pursuing a behavior, have compassion on yourself.  We all have to begin somewhere, and we all (including us wellness coaches!) have things we can do to improve our health.  So, consider which behavior you would like to start, then jot down the next small step you can take to begin incorporating this behavior into your life. Here’s a diagram you can use as you peruse the list at the end of this post:

Notice that working on one behavior at a time is plenty, especially if you’re in a particularly busy season of life.

Change takes time and effort, so we’re more likely to stick with something when we allow ourselves to focus on one change at a time, and set small, achievable goals around that behavior.  Then, when we see success, we’ll gain the confidence and momentum to continue.

Are you ready?  If so, grab a pen and paper, or open up a Word doc or “Notes” app, and consider these behaviors using the diagram above:

3 behaviors (broken down into smaller parts) that will help you live a health-filled life:

1. Paying Attention
   1. Nutrition
      1. I take a moment to recognize how my food/drink made me feel after consuming it, and whether I have higher or lower energy afterwards.
      2. I pay attention to whether or not my food/drink choices bring me pleasure when consuming them.
      3. I know whether or not I feel better abstaining from certain things rather than trying to eat/drink/experience them in moderation.
   2.  Movement
      1. I check in to see how I feel after I take time to exercise, and whether I have higher or lower energy afterwards.
   3.  Rest
      1. I check in to see how I feel after taking a nap or getting adequate sleep at night.
   4.  Hobbies
      1. I check in to see how I feel after taking time to do something I love, like a hobby, favorite pastime, spending time alone or with a close friend/family member.
   5.  Energy
      1. I pay attention to what gives me energy and what drains my energy.
      2. I recognize that I am an introvert/extrovert and need alone time/people time to fuel me.
2. Nutrition
   1. I shop the perimeter of the grocery store when my budget allows, so that I can consume less processed foods.
   2. I cook a majority of my meals at home so I have more control over the ingredients I ingest.
   3. During a majority of my meals, I ensure half of my plate consists of fruits and vegetables.
3. Movement
   1. I have scheduled time to move/exercise in a way I enjoy.
   2. I creatively find ways to move daily, even outside of scheduled exercise time.

We hope this reflection exercise encourages you as you think about the behaviors you’re already doing, as well as the behaviors you can start today to be on the path to your healthiest life.  Join us on April 1 for the next post about three more health behaviors you can consider for your health journey!

Written by Brittni Paris, Wellness Coach & Blogger

Photo Credits:
Photo by Chris Murray on Unsplash
Photo by Emma Dau on Unsplash
Photo by Luis Quintero on Unsplash