1. Intentionality -
Make a decision to grow in your health and wellness - make a list of things you can focus on doing to make progress, then take daily steps to move towards balanced wellness in your mind, body and soul.
2. Create a Wellness Budget & Schedule -
Determine realistically how much time and money you have to invest in your wellness. Write out how and where you will divide up those investments and implement them into your weekly schedule. Schedule in your fitness, nutrition, fun 'you' time and self care as you would schedule a doctors appointment and honor those appointments as if it was a work commitment.
3. All Things in Balance -
Write down the following:
Mind (thought life)
Body (health)
Heart (emotions & relationships)
Soul (spiritual life)
What things do you do in each area to invest or grow? If after you make the list one area is lacking, find small ways you can begin investing in that area.
4. Food For Living, The Balanced Plate -
Nutrition is made simple through the balanced plate approach...all things in balance! Instead of eating 3 large meals per day, try 4-5 smaller meals. Each meal made up of a balanced plate (will show visually and describe). The balanced plate is 1/2 green veggies, 1/4 grains or dense carbs, 1/4 lean proteins - add an ounce of healthy fats and now you have a balanced plate!
5. Water, Water, Water! -
Our bodies need a lot more water then the old myth of 8 glasses of water per day. Typically the average person needs about 1 oz of water per body pound in weight. Many illnesses, diseases and even stubborn fat and cellulite can be significantly improved by simply increasing your water intake. Carry a non-carcinogenic plastic bottle with you to make proper hydration simpler.
6. Get Up & Get Going!
There are many ways to exercise, from exercises classes, to walking or other outdoor cardio, lifting weights, DVDs you can do at home...find what works for you. Many people focus on what they can't do, what they can't afford both financially and time wise. Decide what you can do and find a form of exercise that works. Try to move your body daily. Take the stairs, walk the dog, hit the gym, even do some free exercise videos from my web site or find exercise videos on Hulu or Youtube. Decide what you can do and do it...move your body!
7. Accountability -
Find a friend who has similar goals in wellness, ask them if they want to be 'accountability partners' with you. Schedule weekly calls with them and touch base, sharing your progress (not giving advice, but encouragement). When we say our goals out load to someone else it helps us to stay accountable to taking action on them!
8. Know the Why -
Know WHY you want to achieve your wellness goals. Be honest and clear with yourself. I want to be healthier, live longer, loose weight, feel more confident, feel more peace and happiness within myself. Knowing the why brings a deeper commitment!
9. Make it Fun -
Whether we are talking about growth and wellness in the mind, body, heart or soul remember to get creative and find ways to make it fun. You know the saying, 'All work and no play makes...'! Well it is hard to truly achieve longevity of healthy habits if we aren't able to enjoy the process. Find fitness buddies, if your single or in a relationship or married make hiking or walking a date activity, join a book club to challenge your mind, find a healthy foodie friend to cook with or exchange recipes and ideas. Find ways to make it fun! And if you try something that isn't fun, try something different. Don't give up!
10. Celebrate The Victories -
Remember it's about progress NOT perfection. Commit to doing your very best each day, realizing that your very best today will be different from your very best tomorrow. If we continue to take steps forward we are progressing towards our goals while developing the habits that will get us to success. Celebrate each step as a victory!
