Changing Your Habits for Better Health
Are you thinking about being more active? Have you been trying to chop back on less healthy foods? Are you starting to eat better and move more but having a hard time sticking with these changes?
Old habits die hard. Changing your habits is a process that involves several stages. Sometimes it takes a while before changes become new habits. And, you may face roadblocks along the way.
Adopting new, healthier habits may protect you from serious health problems like obesity and diabetes. New habits, like healthy eating and regular physical activity, may also help you manage your weight and have more energy. After a short time , if you persist with these changes, they'll become a part of your daily routine.
The information below outlines four stages you may go through when changing your health habits or behavior. You will also find tips to assist you improve your eating, physical activity habits, and overall health. The four stages of adjusting a health behavior are:
1) Contemplation
2) Preparation
3) Action
4) Maintenance
What stage of change are you in?
Contemplation: “I’m thinking about it.”
In this first stage,
Ø Have been considering change but are not quite ready to start
Ø Believe that your health, energy level, or overall well-being will improve if you develop new habits
Ø Are not sure how you will overcome the roadblocks that may keep you from starting to change.
Preparation: “I have made up my mind to require :
Ø Have decided that you are going to change and are ready to take action
Ø Have set some specific goals that you would like to meet
Ø Are getting ready to put your plan into action.
Action: “I have started to make changes.”
Ø Have been making eating, physical activity, and other behavior changes in the last 6 months or so
Ø Are adjusting to how it feels to eat healthier, be more active, and make other changes such as getting more sleep or reducing screen time
Ø Have been trying to overcome things that sometimes block your success
Maintenance: “I have a new routine.”In this final stage, you have become used to your changes and have kept them up for more than 6 months.You might be in this stage if:
Ø your changes have become a normal part of your routine
Ø you have found creative ways to stick with your routine
Ø you have had slip-ups and setbacks but have been able to get past them and make progress
Action: Have you started to make changes?
You are making real changes to your lifestyle, which is fantastic! To stick with your new habits:
Ø Review your plan
Ø Look at the goals you set and how well you are meeting them
Ø Overcome roadblocks by planning ahead for setbacks
Ø Reward yourself for your hard work
Notice: Please consult your doctor before following any instruction of www.myonlinedoctor.co.in