Healthy Habits, One Day at a Time

Wed Mar 01 2017 More often than not, creating a lifestyle change doesnt start with a healthy habits list, a day at the gym or a new diet. The real beginnings of change start inside your head. But fostering the decision to change isnt always easyespecially when life gives you so many reasons not to stick with something. Take the back-to-school season for parents, for example. Ill admit, back-to-school can be a stressful time and one of the most difficult for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Its hard getting back a on a schedule: packing lunches, taking baths, meeting bedtimes, etc. Contemplating another school year down and the new one in front of us is always a catalyst for family craziness! And, on top of everything, it can be hard doing the things you lovelike finding time to exercisewhen there are so many responsibilities that come first. Faced with all this, I tend to get a little blue, myself. I get that ever-so-self-indulgent whats it all about attitude, and have just enough time to really bathe in all of my questions. Why am I not automatically grateful? How come things become a burden vs. an opportunity? I know its cliché, but its for a reason. Because its true. When out of whack or under stress, I see more of an opening to not take a positive perspective. Getting down on myself and being negative are just easier. Theres so much else demanding my energy that it becomes easier to become negative than try and be positive or keep good health habits. It can get badeven down to saying ugh, I have to make dinner tonight. But this is where its important to catch yourself. Its where I give myself a mental shake and say hey, lets be positive about this. So, this is where Im going to slip in the exercise and eat healthy. And this small, positive decision ends up going a long way. I see that when Im exercising regularly and eating well, its easier for me to maintain my good perspective. Thanks to a healthy perspective, healthy food, and a healthy body, Im reaping the benefits of endorphinsnot riding a rollercoaster of sugar or caffeine highs. My peaks are higher and my lows arent so low, and my mind functions better. My emotions come from my brain, and my mind is a part of my body. Its all connecteda simple decision to change my perspective and do something healthy creates a positive feedback loop. The same goes for working out. Are you fortunate enough to have an able body to move? Well, then lets not complain about how boring it is or that theres no time! Lets get fired up that we can. Food? How wonderful that we have so many choices! Why not make some good choices that will serve us, our lives, and our bodies? No victims please. I want you to see if, for one week, you can see the upside in everything and how it can help you with all things in your life. Embrace healthy habits living, even when it takes a little extra energy! Written by Gabby Reece