We
all have good intentions when it comes to eating perfectly, exercising
frequently, and making time to find our Zen. Yet after a while, all this
"trying" can get overwhelming — and we're bound to slip up. The
important thing to remember in these “I’ve messed up so I’m going to
trash the entire day” moments is this: We can get back on track with our
next decision.
It's
easy in theory — the next time you eat an entire package of cookies
instead of the three you had planned on eating, simply commit to making a
better choice at your next meal. Although even this can be challenging
to put into practice, as with everything, healthy living is easier if
you break it down into baby steps. Here are 10 ways to get back on track
when life derails you:
1. Laugh at yourself.
See
your own patterns and, instead of beating yourself up again, LAUGH at
yourself. It's the smallest step of them all but can help lead to big
change. Stop the stress, refocus, and find the humor in daily life.
2. Add IN!
If
the thought of removing things you enjoy — that glass of wine at night
or decadent coffee concoction in the morning — feels too depressing,
start small and add in the health wherever possible. Enjoy the wine, but
add in a glass of water alongside it. Don't run out and invest in a
fancy gym membership today; just commit to start skipping the elevator
and choosing the stairs instead.
3. Enjoy your life.
We
usually get off track with our good intentions because life gets in the
way. It's okay to pause and enjoy your life. Everyone needs a break;
give yourself one, savor it, and move on.
4. Be selfish.
Whenever
possible, put your health and yourself first. When you first begin this
habit, it may feel wrong, but the longer you practice it, the more you
will see the positive ripples it sends out into the world. A healthier
you is a happier you, and this undoubtedly positively has an impact on
those around you.
5. Walk more.
This
is literally the smallest step you can take, which will make the
biggest impact on your overall health. Walk during conference calls.
Walk down the hall instead of sitting while sending an email. Walk while
you're brainstorming for the next pitch or email you have to send.
6. Incorporate as much play into your life as possible.
Join
the work softball team. Create a recreational kickball team. Go to the
playground with your kids and actually play with them.
7. Challenge yourself to de-convenience your life.
Things
designed to make our lives easier — remote controls, grocery delivery
services, and restrooms on every floor of the office building or home —
are just opportunities to remain sedentary, thus are negatively
affecting our health. Keep the remote control across the room from where
you sit to watch television. Pretend the closest restroom is out of
order. The more inconvenient you make your life, the more steps you will
end up taking during your day.
8. Order small.
Craving
French fries from your favorite fast-food joint? Great! Order a small.
Ice cream with the kids? Small again! Make small your default. It might
seem like an insignificant habit to create, but it's one little thing
you can fall back on that will keep you from feeling deprived but also
won't make you feel like a glutton.
9. Make healthy meals the easy option.
Find
four or five healthy meals and make these your mindless go-to's. Set
yourself up for success and always have ingredients for these healthful
meals on hand.
10. Make time to relax.
We
are all guilty of making mountains out of molehills. Our problems
always seem bigger than everyone else's. We think, It's harder for us.
We have no time. We're tired. Why is it so hard? Why do we stress so
much? Take a step back, practice gratitude, and relax. Part of living
your healthiest includes reducing your stress, so why stress about being
healthy?
By Carla Birnberg | Mind Body Green
