As the saying goes, if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. If you desire to create healthier habits in 2021, read on. This article will address the top five lessons learned following a healthy lifestyle and how you can cultivate glowing health and fitness in the upcoming year and beyond.
1: Create New Habits
If you desire to live a healthy lifestyle, you must address how to create better habits. Often we have become stuck in negative behavior patterns due to a lack of conscious intention over our routines. The way to change these patterns is first to identify what you want to achieve, become aware of where you are now, and create a plan of action to move between the two. Awareness is key because if you are in denial about your current habits and lifestyle, you will find it impossible to improve upon them.
Tips for creating habits:
- Stick to a new habit for at least 30 days - this timeframe gives your brain a chance to integrate the new routine.
- Tack your new habit onto an existing activity - meditate with your morning coffee, jog to the bus stop, use more vegetables in your recipes. You can boost your current routines with healthier habits without needing to find more time in your day.
- Get accountable - ask a friend to check in with you daily or weekly to see how you're getting on. This strategy works even better if you both commit to the same habits and hold each other accountable.
2: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Allow yourself to be imperfect. Perfection is an unreachable state and does nothing but damage your confidence and make you feel like quitting. Find some measurables that you can track and focus on reaching the next milestone. That way, you will increase your confidence and motivation because you will see your progress and feel a sense of achievement as you go.
3: Make Exercise Fun
If exercise isn't enjoyable, you won't stick to it. Consistency is vital to creating a healthy lifestyle, and you must enjoy what you are doing if you want to be consistent. The key here is to focus on what you actually like, not the things you think you should be doing because that's what other people do.
If you hate running, don't do it! There are so many forms of physical activity available; it's up to you to try out a variety of things and see what brings you joy. If you love dancing, find a dance class or some online videos. If you prefer exercising at home rather than at the gym, find a great workout app and do that. We recommend you try 30 Day Fitness as it's perfect for beginners and you can get gym fit in just 15 minutes a day.
4: Eat Well for Better Mood and Energy Levels
Everyone knows the importance of a balanced diet for health, but did you know that what you eat can radically affect your energy levels and mood? Approximately 90% of your feel-good hormone serotonin is manufactured in your gut. And not only does eating junk food fail to give you energy, but it also depletes your energy because it is so difficult for your body to process.
Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods with the correct balance of complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. You should aim for 50-60% of your caloric intake to be complex carbs, 10-20% lean protein, and 30% from healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut, olives, and cold-pressed oils.
5: Meditate for Health and Happiness
Meditation is indispensable for both physical and mental health. Numerous studies show how regular meditators are physically healthier, more emotionally stable, and make better choices. If you struggle to meditate, it can be as simple as counting your breaths for a few minutes each day. Start small and work your way up to a daily 15-20 minute practice. You may find guided meditation easier if you are new to meditation because the voice acts as an anchor for your busy mind.
The Best App for Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle
The 30 Day Fitness app is the best fitness app for beginners because it personalizes the routines to your fitness level and goals. The exercises are designed by professional personal trainers and explained step-by-step using videos and detailed instructions.
It doesn't take much time out of your day to create a new healthy exercise habit - our signature 30-day challenges get you gym-quality results in just 15 minutes a day. Plus, with smart daily reminders, progress tracking, and fun workouts, it's easy to find the motivation to exercise.
If you desire to gain the benefits of a healthy lifestyle this year, follow the steps outlined above. Cultivate healthy habits, focus on progress, not perfection, do exercise you enjoy, eat a balanced diet, and commit to a regular meditation practice. Integrating these tips will create healthy habits that feel joyful, nourishing, and, most importantly, a natural part of your daily life.
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