Sometimes it feels like Sisyphean work maintaining a healthy weight, staying fit and just making healthy life decisions. Unfortunately, the answer lies in the fact that very often we are left to deal with the tiring challenges on our own.
Being different and sticking out is not easy, but there are ways to overcome these initial struggles and reach those health goals despite the lack of external support. Here are some of the ways in which you can conquer loneliness in your lifestyle improvement journey.
STICK TO YOUR HEALTHY NUTRITION REGIMEN
It’s hard being single-minded when you are constantly put to the test in different social situations and gatherings. It’s so easy to slip through with an excuse that a healthy diet is interfering with your social life, or that it’s just impossible to enjoy life fully and at the same time stick to some rigorous eating rules.
The process doesn’t have to be so rigorous. In fact, it should be enjoying and motivating. Instead of looking at your eating plan as a “diet” or a “special eating program”, but more as a lifestyle choice, the feeling of restricting and controlling yourself will lessen in time.
Moreover, good organization is key to success when it comes to proper eating. Try keeping healthy snacks at hand, prepare food beforehand and create an eating schedule for the day. In that way, there will be less chance of being tempted in various situations during the day. Finally, treat yourself from time to time.
Adopting a new lifestyle, in the long run, is a slippery road and no one should expect themselves to have perfect results at all cost. Giving yourself some slack is a good and wise method to avoid major breakdown, and at the same time achieve the feeling of being awarded for good work.
EXERCISING AS A WAY OF BONDING – FIND SOME NEW COMPANY
Probably the hugest endeavor in the process of becoming healthy is adapting to proper exercising. It requires not only time but true dedication and motivation, so it’s much easier if you have some support from your friends and family. If that is not the case, exercising can be a great way to meet new people and make some new friends, or a training buddy.
Jogging, for example, is a perfect way to get a sufficient amount of exercise you need, get out and experience nature’s tranquility or know your neighborhood better, as well as make new friendships. Running with someone or in a group increases a sense of acceptance and belonging to a community.
Moreover, there are support groups and forums where runners share their struggles, motivation, advice and much more, which can be very helpful and useful. There are also numerous websites such as Jogging Addiction and others, which are a great source of information about proper running equipment, running methods and other things important when becoming a runner.
It is also crucial not to overdo it at the beginning, take it slow, step by step, in order to avoid a sudden burnout. Another common mistake is expecting results right away, which is a path straight to failure. Change happens slowly, so always keep in mind that dedication and perseverance will eventually lead you to achieving your goals.
FEED ON OTHER PEOPLE’S NEGATIVITY
When we talk about lack of support, it usually comes in the form of well-meaning people whose choices and actions very much make it difficult for you to stay on the right path. A mountain of pessimism may be blocking the light of success, but there is a way to deal with external distractions.
It’s important to be open about your goals and educate others about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. You’ll be surprised how little people actually know about what being healthy actually means and maybe it is the reason they are not doing it themselves.
The first step is informing others about your improved lifestyle, since there is much greater chance of success if you find yourself surrounded with positive encouragement and support. Being a role model plays a significant role in one’s path to long term success. If your entire family is making healthier food choices, you’ll find it less challenging to find healthy food in the fridge or prepare nutritious meals.
However, helping and informing is sometimes futile effort if a person is not willing to learn, or at least accept your attempts. In that case it is vital to understand that it is hard changing other people’s minds and that it isn’t your job to keep trying. Focusing on your success and being aware that a healthy lifestyle is inevitably necessary for true happiness should be of primary importance.
MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
With a bundle of chores, distractions and obligations, it’s hard making space for yourself and spending your time and money on choices that are actually good for you. With kids entering the picture, it all seems even more far-fetched. Sometimes, however, you have to embrace the journey of a healthy lifestyle on your own. There’s always a way to incorporate exercising and healthier eating habits into your hectic daily routine.
Kids of all ages love strolling with their parents and no special equipment or gym membership fees are required for this activity. If you are a dog owner, walk your furry canine friend with your child, and enjoy some quality fitness time together. There are plenty of opportunities right at your home, too. For instance, turn on some fast-paced, upbeat music and dance around with your kids. Silly games don’t just spark kids’ imaginations; they help get them moving too, so try incorporating some into your weekly routine.
You can also turn chores into family fun. Things like vacuuming, sweeping and light housework all require decent amounts of physical activity. Don’t take on these tasks alone. Rather, get everyone on board and explain that by working together, the job will be done that much sooner.
Family meal preparation can also be a home project for everyone. Instead of dreading another day wasted in the kitchen, make it a group activity with your kid, friend, husband, boyfriend (whoever) and master some neat culinary skills. You can learn together how to make healthy and easy meals, share recipes and, why not, make it a fun competition for your loved ones. This way eating healthy won’t seem so undoable and challenging.
You’ll be surprised how small changes like these can go a long way. What’s great is that it won’t even feel like change at all!
The most important part of changing is taking the first step. Welcome the fact that you’ve chosen to do something great for yourself and keep in mind that it’s a rocky road becoming healthy. Consider some of these tips and conquer each obstacle that comes in your way. Remembering your goals will keep you on the right track.
