We all aspire to be healthy—to hit the gym, attend that yoga class or take that brisk morning walk daily. Yet, more often than not, we find ourselves lounging on our couch, scrolling through our phone looking at reels or social media updates. We struggle to maintain our health routine, knowing full well its value.
World Health Day is a day for advocating health awareness, celebrated on April 7th annually. This year’s theme is My Health, My Right. It is a day dedicated to drawing attention to important health issues and challenges faced by people around the world—so what better day is there to explore effective strategies to help us get back on track with our health routine. Let’s take the reins of our health back steadily but surely with these small changes.
We’ve all been there—watching movies of chiselled heroes and thinking, “I want to look like that!” So, we head to the gym hoping for a miracle that will change our bodies overnight. But that’s not how it works. Big changes often start with small steps. Instead of making drastic changes overnight, focus on implementing one small change at a time.
Whether it’s adding extra vegetables to your meals, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or 10-minutes of daily meditation practice, small changes can contribute to significant improvements in your overall health. So be patient and keep pushing your health goals, a little everyday.
Conventional health hacks don’t always appeal to everyone. Sometimes, it’s essential to trick our minds and approach things from a different angle. That is why it is important to get creative with different activities and routines and see what sticks. For instance, try a new fitness class, explore a new hiking trail and experiment with fun but healthy recipes. Thinking outside the box can help keep your health routine exciting and more permanent in nature.
In today’s day and age when everyone is getting caught up in a calorie-counting frenzy, it is important to step back and educate ourselves on what actually works and what is just a fad. One thing that is time-tested here is adding a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables into our meals. Eating fresh, colourful vegetables not only makes our meals more visually appealing but also ensures that we’re getting essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This approach to eating also helps us develop a healthier relationship with food and promotes overall wellness.
It’s important to remember that nobody is perfect and it’s okay to indulge occasionally or skip a workout now and then. Be kind to yourself and let go of any negative self-talk. Instead of viewing slip-ups as failures, see them as opportunities to learn. Adopting a forgiving mindset can help you maintain a positive attitude and keep you motivated on your health journey.
It is common knowledge that embarking on a health journey can often feel lonely and daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Teaming up with a friend or family member who shares similar health goals can make the process more enjoyable. Whether it’s a workout friend to hit the gym with or a family member to share healthy recipes with, having someone by your side can provide the support you need to stay on track. A sense of accountability gets attached when you join hands with a fitness buddy.
The “New Year, New Me” mindset can sometimes set unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of disappointment, especially when we don’t see results immediately. Instead of focusing on drastic changes, aim for realistic goals. Embrace a patient approach to stay committed to your health goals in the long run. Make being healthy a part of your daily life and not just a goal to tick on this year’s calendar.
Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can indeed reignite your motivation and get your health routine back on track. It is important to remember that small changes can lead to big results, so be patient with yourself and jog along the path towards your healthiest self. As the great Aristotle once stated, “We are what we repeatedly do.” So simply keep at it, folks!
Start small by incorporating short, manageable workout sessions into your day. Gradually increase the intensity. Start doing them at home first and gradually move to a gym or park.
Focus on incorporating a variety of colourful fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your meals. Planning meals can also help in making healthier food choices. Make a conscious effort to avoid junk and processed foods.
By adding activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, we can help manage stress levels better.
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