Happy New Year to you all! This time of year I look forward opportunity, growth and change. I’ve resolved to make my dreams happen and reduce the stress that comes along with what sometimes seems like a huge feat. Fortunately, I have access to a lot of resources to help me do just that. However, if you’ve been struggling lately with your wellness initiatives, here are some simple tips to help you become healthy no matter the time of year.
1) Start where you are. Even 5-10 minutes of physical activity a day may be all you need to start. Be consistent and take on small chunks at a time so you’re not over-whelmed or de-motivated.
2) Get really clear on why YOU want to make change. This goes for getting fit, changing your career or trying sky diving for that matter. Starting with an understanding of WHAT you want and WHY you want it will be very important in your journey to change.
3) Create your INTENTION. Having an intention will help you to manifest your desires, achieve better health and get control of your life. Intentions typically start with a mental picture of your goal, but will require focus, action, and positive energy to reach your ultimate goal.
4) Visualize Intention. – What do you visualize this change looking like? Is it being able to keep up with your Grand kids? Fit into a dress you like? Have more energy? Sleep better?
5) Place Meaning In Your Intention. Why is this Intention so important for you? Not your husband or sister etc. but for you? Writing this out can be very helpful.
6) Know your Strengths. We all have them and knowing your personality and your strengths will help you in this process, especially when obstacles arise. I am an all or nothing personality, so having treats I crave in my house is a no-no for me.
7) Create your goals and define success. How will know when you’ve been successful reaching short and long term goals? This is important; make sure you have something to measure against. If you’re measuring against how you feel that is very subjective. We use a Quality of Life Survey for our clients. That way they can see real change in lifestyle and are not disappointed when the scale doesn’t budge and everything else is good. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, but may take 21 months to create a lifestyle.
8) Reward Your Success. How will you reward your success? Typically people forget this part, but seeing success is a huge motivator and helps you stick with it. Try rewarding yourself for what might seem like minor things; like eating more veggies, getting all your workouts in for a week or trying a yoga class. I’ve seen clients reward themselves with massage, notes to self with congratulations messages, and the purchase of new outfits.
9) Positive attitude and some gratitude. Your personal thoughts and actions are within the realm of your control. Having a positive attitude and being grateful for all that you effects whether you have a good or bad day and how you see the world around you. When you act in positive ways you, you will see positive results.
I truly hope this will open your mind and get you motivated to finish what you start this year. With all the hype and controversy out there around health and fitness we like to keep it simple. Just reach out if we can ever help or answer any questions you might have.
Happy, Healthy 2013 to You! Brenda
Brenda Booth, NASM-CPT, Intrinsic Coach ®, Chief Inspiration Officer, Body One Wellness, LLC
612.702.9397
Brenda Booth, Holistic Health & Fitness Coach, NASM-CPT
Chief Inspiration Officer, Body One Wellness, LLC
http://getfitminneapolis.wordpress.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabooth
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Body-One-Wellness/133913116650766
(612) 702-9397
Thanks!