Tips for Sticking to it
- Choose a habit that you can reasonably live with. (It's okay to challenge yourself, but don't pick a habit that may be too difficult to stick with.)
- Choose a habit that fits with your lifestyle. If you have to change too many things at once, you are less likely to be successful.
- Think about what roadblocks might come up, and plan a way to get around them.
- Keep track of what you do (or don't do) - either online or in a journal.
- Don't try and "go it alone." Find a friend who will take the same challenge. You can support each other on the journey.
- Keep it fun and interesting. (If you eat out every day and are avoiding high calorie fast food, go to different restaurants and find new low calorie/low fat selections.)
- Ask family or friends to help. (Can a family member watch your child for 30 minutes while you take a walk?)
- Keep at it until you've made a lifestyle change. (For you, this may take more than 21 days!) Otherwise, it will be too easy to return to old, less healthy habits.
- Recognize that your health is important to you. Does the habit raise your self-esteem? Healthy habits are not necessarily a "one size fits all." Decide on your own goals.
- New habits are not formed over a day. If one day is not a good one, start over the next.
- Think about what you need to change or want to change, and what things you need to make that happen. (Do you need to purchase measuring cups for portion control, or comfortable shoes for walking?)
- Reward yourself for sticking with your plan.
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