Many have set resolutions to improve their health and fitness as the New Year begins. It’s great to have specific goals, but sometimes, people tend to go to extremes to achieve them. They try out the latest fad diet or workout trend, which can leave them mentally and physically drained.
“It is common for people to set very high goals for themselves, which often leads to two possible outcomes- either quitting altogether or achieving these goals and then being unable to maintain them. It ultimately results in burnout, failure, or injury. Therefore, I propose abandoning these extremely unrealistic goals and focusing on making long-lasting changes to your lifestyle.”
When you make health and fitness a lifestyle instead of a part-time hobby or 30-day challenge, you develop habits that will enhance many areas of your life.
Healthy lifestyles foster creativity and teach discipline, adaptability, and balance. It can also improve your appearance and overall well-being, making you a better person for the ones who matter the most.
It Is More Than Aesthetics
Health and fitness are about more than how you look, your food, or the weight you lift at the gym. They’re about:
- The way you feel.
- Your quality of life.
- The focus you have at work.
- Your ability to move.
- Your psychological state.
“When you are in good health, you feel better emotionally and can perform more physical activities. Walking your dog, hiking, or paddleboarding can be enjoyed. Being unable to do these things can significantly affect your experiences and restrict your quality of life.”
Providing an Example
Living a healthy lifestyle is not only beneficial for you, but it can also inspire and motivate those around you. Your nutritional choices can impact your family, friends, and even children, encouraging them to make positive changes in their own lives.
This simple change can lead to better relationships, lower risk of diseases, and a happier world. By making healthier choices, you can positively impact those around you and catalyze change.
You Learn the Exact Behavior Change
I believe that “diets” or “workout challenges” are not sustainable in the long run. It’s unrealistic to maintain a high level of motivation all the time. Humans face challenges and stress, and our schedules can be disrupted. By living a healthy lifestyle, we learn to accept and adapt to these challenges.
You can enjoy life on vacation or away from your gym and kitchen when you’ve developed healthy habits and skills. You can practice moderation and balance, allowing yourself to indulge without going overboard. If you need access to a gym for a week, you can bring your resistance bands, create a bodyweight circuit, or use nearby benches and stairs to get a workout in. Instead of self-destructing when your routine gets disrupted, you learn to adapt.
Consistency
Many achieve noticeable results by following extreme diets or participating in workout challenges. However, it’s important to note that only a tiny percentage of individuals can adhere to these plans strictly. These challenges typically involve strict guidelines for success and failure, which can adversely affect your physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, these challenges are often completed quickly, making it difficult to maintain long-term results.
When you set extreme goals for yourself, you are more likely to feel disheartened and defeated if you make a mistake or fail to meet the high expectations you have set for yourself. On the other hand, if you place more natural and achievable goals, you are more likely to stay consistent and enjoy the process of achieving them. You can avoid handling overwhelmed and stressed by not putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Suppose you eat something unhealthy or miss a workout. In that case, you can still bounce back and continue your journey towards your goals without feeling discouraged. This approach is much more realistic and sustainable in the long run, leading to greater consistency and success.
Find an Exercise You Enjoy
Staying consistent with your workouts is crucial. Keep doing exercises that you don’t enjoy, which make you feel physically and emotionally drained. You will only be able to keep it up for a short time. It’s best to find exercises that make you feel good and can stick to in the long run if they’re less intense. Constant low-intensity exercise is always more effective than inconsistent high-intensity exercise.
Be Patient When It Comes To Achieving Your Physical Goals
Results take time; be patient and enjoy the journey. Falling in love with the process and the person you become along the way is critical.
Do Not Give Up Your Favorite Foods
I strongly believe you should never completely give up your favorite foods. Instead, try to find ways to make them healthier without compromising on taste. For example, if pizza is your favorite food, there’s no need to give it up. Depriving yourself of your favorite foods can make you feel happier and more satisfied. Instead, try to get creative and use clean and healthy ingredients to make your version of pizza that you can enjoy guilt-free.
Do Not Complete With Anyone
This is your life and your journey. No two people are alike, so you should never compare yourself to others. As long as you wake up every day and strive to improve yourself compared to yesterday, you are on the right track.
Try New Things
It’s essential to challenge yourself and try new things. One way to do this is by attending a fitness class with a friend or exploring different foods. You can start grocery shopping based on the season, which is an easy way to experiment with other fruits and vegetables. If you’ve never tried meal prepping, give it a go! By stepping out of your comfort zone and changing things, you’ll keep things interesting and stay motivated to make this lifestyle a permanent part of your routine.
