According to a recent study, 80% of people have already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions by the start of February.
As a result, if you started the year with the desire to follow a healthier lifestyle but are already falling back into bad habits, you aren’t alone.
However, this does not mean that it’s too late to get back on track; you simply need to find a way to ensure the changes you are making stick!
Make time in your routine for exercise.
Consistency is key when it comes to following a healthy lifestyle. As such, finding ways to fit exercise into your routine ensures that you are reaching your weekly or daily exercise targets. This, in turn, means that you remain on track for your goals.
Remember, this does not mean that you have to spend hours a day in the gym. For example, you can increase your daily step count by taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work or by walking to the shop instead of driving.
Mix up your workout routine.
As mentioned above, being consistent in your approach to fitness will help you to reach your goals. However, this does not mean that you need to do the exact same workout over and over again. Doing so will allow boredom to take hold, meaning you’re more likely to skip a session.
As such, when trying to find your passion for fitness, try to mix up your workout routine as much as possible. Sign up for a range of classes and step outside of your comfort zone as much as possible. This will enable you to find an activity that you truly enjoy!
If you find it hard to work out alone, ask a friend to join you. Not only will this make exercising more fun, but it also means you can hold each other accountable, meaning you’re less likely to skip a session.
Find healthy alternatives to your favorite sweet treats.
Do not make the mistake of believing that a healthy diet means cutting out everything you love. Being overly restrictive in this regard will only make the idea of abandoning your new diet all the more tempting. Instead, enjoy food in moderation, and keep an eye out for healthy alternatives to your favorite treats. For example, if you love donuts, you could try out this protein donuts recipe. This way, you’re still indulging in a sweet treat while also sticking to your goals.
Give yourself grace.
Many people choose to abandon their healthy lifestyle after making a simple mistake. However, it is important to give yourself grace during this time. You are only human, and skipping a workout or eating a single chocolate bar, will not derail all of your hard work.
As such, be sure to treat yourself with kindness moving forward. In doing so, you’ll be able to stay on track toward your goals, as opposed to falling at the first hurdle you encounter. This positive outlook will also help you to stay in the zone!