Everyone needs constant reminders, especially if you’re starting something new, breaking a bad habit, or making a change. A few things I like to do to remind myself every day that my health and wellness need to be at the top of my radar are:
Positive Affirmations:
I have positive statements taped to my mirror so every morning I read them and instill them into my mind. After a while, if you tell yourself something enough, you’ll eventually start to believe it! So we want to make these affirmations positive. A few examples I have are, “I’m the fittest person I know,” “I am clean and organized,” “I make healthy choices in my diet,” “I work out 5 days a week and I love it,” or “I can run 4 miles without stopping.” Whatever area it is that you want to improve in, tell yourself how amazing you are at it! Make sure these affirmations are focusing on the good things. Don’t say things like “I don’t eat junk food” or “I am not overweight.” Those negative words (ie: junk food, overweight) will stick in your head and just confuse you. Instead, “I’m the healthiest eater I know” or “I am at my goal weight, I am happy with my body” are better at convincing your brain of what you’re saying. Just remember to keep it positive and go over them—out loud, every morning and night.
Dress the Part:
I find that whenever I put on my workout clothes or gym shoes I feel the part of “fitness guru.” I lounge around the house in my Nike jacket and sweat pants. If I run errands I will wear gym clothes because that’s who I am. I love health and fitness, so it only makes sense that my attire reflects that. This may have a few of your eyes rolling, but think about dress codes at work, at school, or at special functions. This doesn’t mean you need to live in your workout clothes, but you do work out, so it makes sense that at some point in the day you’ll be in them. Think of it like a uniform, once you put it on, you’re transformed into a legit fitness specialist.
Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk:
I love to read health magazines and books. I compare nutritional labels. My friends are also into fitness and mountain biking, and I talk about health and wellness like I talk about my dogs. Everyone knows I love dogs. Everyone also knows I love to work out because I talk about it, I learn about it, and I share my experiences. It’s who I am. And it’s who you are.
Control your Space:
I don’t really keep much junk food in my house. I don’t buy soda. I don’t have desserts waiting to be baked. I don’t have a secret candy stash. I don’t ever buy frozen meals, and I don’t keep a half gallon of ice cream in my freezer. You know why? Because it would all be gone by tomorrow! If I can’t get to it, I can’t have it. Of course I have cravings for something sweet at night but my options are fruit, yogurt, a sugar free popsicle, or popcorn. Free your space of those temptations. I buy things like fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats, frozen tilapia and turkey burgers, nuts, and almond butter so when I need to grab something, I only have relatively healthy options. Also, I keep my gym clothes in my car every day. I put up pictures of fit people who motivate me. I hang inspirational quotes. I have free weights in my living room, and I take my gym shoes on literally every trip I go on. You can even keep your library of at-home workouts on DVD on your mantel or set up an area designated for exercise.
Bottom line, do whatever you need to do to remind yourself all day, every day that you are a healthy person, you make healthy choices, and it’s easy for you. This is you and this is your life!