Everything takes time. Especially when it comes to creating a fitness plan that you will stick with for the long haul. Changing your workout and eating habits won’t happen overnight — It takes around 21 days for something to become a habit. But, follow these tips and get yourself a great pair of supportive sneakers, and you’ll soon be on your way to living the life you want.
Start small
Like the adage: Rome wasn’t built in a day, your workout plan shouldn’t try to be all things at once. It takes time to develop a routine that will encompass all the things that will lead you on a path to a healthier lifestyle. When starting, focus on one small thing — such as parking farther away and taking the stairs at work or doing jumping jacks for a minute in the morning. Once you start doing this daily and becoming confident about your progress, you can start adding additional changes to your fitness plan.
Related: How To Find The Perfect Balance Between Work And Family Life
Reserve an hour a day
Once your body becomes accustomed to working out, you will feel more comfortable adding time to your workout. An hour every day will keep your momentum going and stop you from potentially filling “off” days with unhealthy habits. This hour doesn’t need to be filled with strenuous exercise (because that won’t last). Alternate days with easy (yoga, brisk walking) and harder (strength and conditioning) workouts. If you feel your body isn’t recovering as quickly after a hard workout, it’s OK to stick to easy workouts for a few days.
Eat healthier
Nutrition is part of any good fitness plan. And although there are plenty of diets to choose from, most are quick fixes that won’t last. To create lifelong healthier eating habits, you need to eat the right foods in the right amounts.
According to the USDA, your plate should include half fruits and vegetables, while the other half includes half whole grains and protein. Dairy, such as low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt, should also be included. Don’t try overhauling all of your meals at once, instead replace one meal with the recommendations of the USDA. You should also try sneaking vegetables into your dishes and curb snacking.
Get plenty of sleep
Changing your lifestyle can be difficult. Make sure to stay positive and listen to your body. If you are sore, rest and relax. And if you are tired, get some sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night (every night) will improve your overall health and attitude. Having a hard time catching some Zs? Hit the hay the same time each day, preferably before 11 p.m., and keep your bedroom cool (68 degrees) and dark. And try to avoid your phone or computer right before bedtime because it delays your body’s internal clock, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Don’t forget your mental and emotional health
Sleep is important, but let’s not forget other ways we can improve our mental and emotional health:
- Go easy on yourself. Life is a journey, not a destination.
- Schedule “me” time. Massages and spa days are a great way to relax.
- Pick up a hobby. Do you like photography? Pick up your camera and start shooting. Interested in Pinterest? Find a DIY and start doing it.
- Meditate. It will help you clear your mind and reduce stress.
- Go for a walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Take in the scenery and enjoy nature.
- Try to avoid (as best you can) the people, places and things that stress you out.
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