Help in Getting Motivation to Live Healthy
Most people want to eat right, get plenty of exercise, sleep well and enjoy the longevity and well being that living healthy has to offer. But it can be especially hard to change your habits and lifestyle, and it can be even more difficult to keep up the motivation needed to stay on the right track. Despite these struggles, living healthy is ultimately worth it and there are a number of resources out there to keep you motivated.
Other People Are Reading
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Friends and Family
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Your friends and family want you to live a long and happy life. According to an article on Salance.com, the most effective motivator to forget bad habits and maintain healthy habits is to remember that you are changing your life to benefit your family and friends. The article is called "Where to Find Motivation to Stay Healthy," and it was posted to the site by Dr. Michael Chong on June 11, 2008. Chong suggests that you make a list of the three most important people in your life, and tell them that you're going to make small changes in your habits to live healthy. Tell them also that you're going to need their encouragement, and that ultimately you are making these lifestyle changes because you want to be there for them.
You can also encourage your family and friends to change with you. Although you can never force anyone to change, make dates with your significant other or close friends to take leisurely yet healthy walks regularly, or to cut back on smoking or drinking. Involving others in your lifestyle changes gives you a larger sense of accountability and motivation; if others expect something from you, you are less likely to disappoint them.
Health Positive Media
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Another great way to get motivated to live healthy is to surround yourself with positive images, sounds, music and sensations. Recognize that you are not the first person (nor will you be the last) who has difficulties making healthy lifestyle choices. If you have to watch television, watch programs about health and health-related issues and programming about the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Place affirmations and reminders about why you're making healthy changes in the places where you're likely to slip up. For example, if you often make a beeline for fast food after work or school, keep a printed note about avoiding fast food somewhere in view on your dashboard. Listen to self-help CDs and audiobooks that discuss and promote healthy living. You can even listen to hypnosis audio tracks while you sleep that subtly encourage you to continue living healthy. See the Resources section at the end of this article for places to download hypnosis audio.
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Set Goals
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Perhaps the most important aspect of getting motivated to live healthy is to set realistic goals. Living healthy does not mean you are going to lose 40 pounds in two days. It means that you set reasonable goals and make a plan to accomplish them over a reasonable period of time. If you find that you need help setting reasonable goals, speak with a friend, family member, spiritual guide or leader, or counselor. Living healthy is a lifestyle, which means it will require every single aspect of your life to change. This can be a daunting and even scary task, so be patient with yourself and remember to seek help when you need it.
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