Have you been trying to go on a diet but having a hard time with all of the restrictions? Do you feel tired and lethargic towards the end of the day? It is very easy for old and bad habits to get in the way, regardless of your desire to change your health. Habits are very powerful and can be difficult to change but replacing them with beneficial habits can drastically approve your health. Rather than trying to cut out television or junk food entirely, learning how to live in moderation and take control of your busy schedule allows you to build long-lasting habits.

Importance of Physical Health

Physical health impacts all aspects of your quality of life. As mentalhealth.org explains, poor mental health is a direct result of a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet choices. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), only 23% of Americans ages 18-64 meet the recommended 150 minutes a week of adequate physical activity.

Getting a proper amount of exercise each week is directly linked with chronic disease prevention and many health benefits. It is very easy to skip the gym and make excuses but staying motivated and committed allows you to form habits that are just as powerful as the bad ones. Being consistent with physical activity will allow you to form other powerful habits and provide you with the energy you need throughout the day.

Breaking Bad Habits

The first step to breaking bad habits is realizing that they are part of your routine and understand why you want to break them. If you are feeling tired and lazy every day, write down what habits may be causing this and why you want to change. If you are not getting a suitable amount of exercise each week, write down where you could potentially fit more time into your schedule to dedicate to physical activity. By writing down bad habits and where you can change them, you can recognize them and write down specific and tangible goals to achieve.

Creating Habits That Will Last

There are many ways to turn poor habits that are causing a lack of motivation and health to positive physical habits that improve productivity and provide more energy. It is important to make time for exercise and create a habit out of it. Rather than getting home from work and laying on the couch to watch television, put on exercise clothes to motivate you to move around the house. This could mean going for a short walk around the neighborhood or driving to an evening workout class. This will allow you to sleep better, feel more motivated, and have a greater desire to cook healthier dinners. Asking your spouse or friend to join you in the process can help you to hold yourself accountable, even on the days you feel unmotivated. By going to the gym with a friend, you will feel committed and want to be dependable which will make you more likely to form these strong habits.

Conclusion

Most Americans do not receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week, making poor physical health a profound issue in society. It can seem impossible to stick with a strict diet and workout plans as these plans seem to be very short-term. Rather than putting harsh restrictions on yourself and then crashing, it is crucial to form strong habits that are motivating and long-term. By eating in moderation, you can form healthy eating habits for the long run. By exercising before you allow yourself to sit on the couch and watch television, you will be motivated and have something to look forward to while at the gym. Taking small steps in the right direction allowing your mind and body to adjust to a healthier lifestyle by forming strong habits that you will want to stick to.