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Motivational Tips for Making Healthy Changes

August 8, 2016 August 2016, Regular Features No Comments

Do you find you have good intentions of making healthy lifestyle changes but find it challenging to make them a reality in daily life? Two of the common mistakes we can make in setting health goals is setting high and unrealistic expectations alongside rushing in with making major changes. Most often neither is sustainable and can leave you feeling despondent and giving up. Trendy diets which request radical changes or restrictions for instance are usually temporary in nature and are not realistic to maintain.

To actually make health improvements that last the distance, the key is making small specific changes which you can build on. For example a first goal for someone who skips breakfast and has a muffin and coffee on the run at 10, may commit to having breakfast every morning. Or for someone not doing any current physical activity they may aim to walk 2 times a week on set days. Soon this becomes the “normal” behaviour and part of your daily routine. Then you can move on to your next change or goal. Aim for slow and steady so you can adjust to this new way of living.

Realistic expectations are also vital, expect lapses because they will happen. Manage lapses successfully by trying these strategies:

– Accept that there will be ups and downs. Don’t beat yourself up when it happens- its human nature. Be kind to yourself not critical- this is much more effective for maintaining your motivation for change.

– BUT when they slip ups do occur you need to take a positive step. Remind yourself of the behaviours you were doing well before the slip up. Eg “yes I did a week where I didn’t exercise, but before this I was able to work out almost every day for 4 weeks, so I know I can do it again, I’m putting it in my diary for tomorrow lunchtime”.

– Treat each change it like an experiment. If it is not working rather than give up try doing it a different way, e.g. walk before breakfast not happening- when else do you have more energy or time?

– Each set back will give you information you can learn from. E.g. you went to a sports day, ended up buying sausage and soft drink for lunch. So ask yourself, will there be more sports days? Yes- then what could I do differently next time??? Pack a lunchbox before I head out.

– Predict and plan for lapses such as holiday periods, change in routines. Don’t leave it to chance. It’s harder to resist food when temptation is present and if it’s not scheduled into your day exercise is unlikely to just happen. Plan ahead where possible for these times with healthy options.

Each month, Tea Retreats will be bringing you an article on Health and Wellbeing to help you make 2016 your healthiest year yet. Tea Retreats combines the skills and experience of Sarah Percy, Registered Dietitian and Sarah Donaldson, Clinical Psychologist to provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing. The “Tea” in Tea Retreats stands for Think, Eat, Act – we believe a positive mindset, good nutrition and keeping active are 3 crucial areas in our life which are essential for good health. If you need some help getting your health sorted please get in touch, we’d love to help. www.tea-retreats.co.nz

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