Healthy Habits Begin With Baby Steps (+idea generator)
Healthy habits. Start with a baby step.
⛰ Staring up at the top of the mountain then looking down at your feet can seem daunting when you consider climbing it. That's a loooong way up there!
But how do you get there? To the top? To the goal? To the summit?
With consistency.
One. Step. At. A. Time.
When we have a goal of losing weight, trimming our waist, eating healthy, or just feeling better, it can be overwhelming to look aaaaaall the way up to the finish line from the perspective of where we are today.
But expecting to get from here to all the way over there quickly or with shortcuts isn't realistic. Why? Because that kind of goal achievement rarely lasts for the long haul. The skills weren't developed. The knowledge wasn't accrued. The deep conviction wasn't engrained.
What IS realistic is being intentional with every step, and learning along the journey. Each baby step, when pointed in the right direction, is progress.
Eventually, those forward steps become habits. And you don't have to think about them, because they're habitual. You just DO them.
What happens if you misstep? Or step backwards? Or trip? That's still learning. Learning what works and what doesn't.
Learning what to do differently next time.
Learning it's ok to mess up and start again.
But how do you know what steps to take to get to the goal? That's where an experienced, knowledgable guide can make the journey easier, more efficient, and enjoyable.
Today, I encourage you to ask yourself, "Self...what's one small thing I can do today to reach my goal?"
Then answer yourself. And take that baby step towards the goal intentionally, repeatedly, until it becomes habit. And then add on another baby step, repeat. Habit. And then another baby step...
And if you get lost along the way, or don't know exactly how to get to the goal, then it may be time to consider bringing a guide on the journey with you.
Spinning wheels is not fun. Getting to the destination is.
So, what baby steps will you start taking for better tomorrows? I've listed some ideas below to get you started...
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Healthy Habits Idea Generator:
eat breakfast
choose a salad vs fries
make a new recipe
eat more fruits, veggies & grains
drink water
drink before you get thirsty
leave sugar out of beverages
choose non-dairy creamer
avoid caffeinated beverages in the afternoon
finish eating before 7pm
track food intake
snack on fresh fruit
make smoothies
manage meal portions
eat only when hungry
graze healthfully throughout the day
learn to read ingredient labels
plan meals for the week
prepare snacks for travel
bring your own salad dressing
make a healthful dish for a potluck
go meatless Monday
eat mindfully - limit distractions during meals
don't eat snack foods directly out of the bag
take smaller bites & take time to dine
get 10,000 steps/day
walk the dog
stretch
go to bed on time for 8 hrs sleep
park the e-device 1 hr before bed
wake up 15 min early for quiet time
have a bedtime routine
consider diffused essential oils for sleep or office space
stick to a regular sleep schedule
stand while taking phone calls
take the stairs vs. elevator
compliment someone each day
give yourself grace for mess-ups
take multi-vitamins
schedule a regular screening test
go to church or a spiritual center
find a supportive community and engage with them
try a new sport
do one exercise move daily
learn a new skill
sign up for classes
take a road trip by yourself or with a loved one
watch a live performance
fast from the internet for a week
watch comedy vs thriller or drama
play a board game
go through old photos
do the chores that have been waiting to get done
schedule a family vacation
play catch outside
write encouraging quotes on sticky notes and post where you can see them often
keep a gratitude journal