5 healthy habits

 

5 healthy habits

After reflecting on the ups and downs recently, it’s a great time to start afresh with new energy and perspective. Rather than launching head first into oversized and unrealistic goals, here is a more effective approach to set yourself up to be a happier, healthier you!

1) Work out how you want to FEEL before setting any new goals

Normally, when we jump in and set new goals, we often focus on the THING we want, such as  ‘more money’, ‘to be in a relationship’, ‘find a new job’, but actually underneath these goals are FEELINGS we are chasing. How you FEEL is everything, you can have all the money in the world, be really ‘successful’ in the eyes of others and seem to ‘have it all’ – but still be unhappy on the inside which is where it actually counts.

By figuring out the FEELINGS you are looking for in your life before you set your goals, you will be able to set goals which have depth and meaning rather than just following where your mind ‘thinks’ you want to go. So how do you want to FEEL each and every day? Peaceful, calm, clear, open, relaxed, present, energised, radiant, powerful, strong, open, bold, grateful, courageous, excited, confident …? Try to find 3 or 4 words which really FEEL right to you. 

2) Create a vision and set some goals

Based on how you want to FEEL , what is your vision and what are your goals for your health and wellbeing? Your relationships? Your work? Your fun time? Your finances? What can you do to help you FEEL more how you really would like to feel? As an example, here are a few of my goals based on how I want to feel which is: CALM & CONNECTED, ENERGIZED & INSPIRED.

My health and wellbeing:

  • Putting my mobile phone out of reach when the kids are home in the afternoon until they are in bed and then again at 8.30pm to help me fully be present and connect with my boys and disconnect and unwind in the evening without technology.

For my work:

  • Doing my writing or any creative work in inspirational places like upbeat cafés or sitting by the beach or outside. This makes writing easier for me, I feel a natural flow when I type and I am definitely inspired when surrounded by natural beauty and good tunes!

For more help working on how you want to feel, setting a vision and working on your goals, grab a copy of my ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ planner here which takes you through the process in more detail.

3) Keep on track

However motivated you are at the start of a new year, keeping on track as you go along is often the challenge! Here are a couple of ways I keep on track throughout the year myself:

  • I use my ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ planner to set my daily goals and reflect on what I am grateful for.

  • I love the CALM app and use it every day to help me unwind and clear my mind before sleep.

  • In the past from time to time I have tracked my food intake to see what I am really eating over a week and see if any unhelpful habits are creeping in like picking and nibbling. This is the APP I have used before which is one of the one ones with NZ food data in it. If you need help getting your eating habits on track or have a health issue you need help with, head to see my AMAZING team at Mission Nutrition. We are nationwide and if you have insurance, you might be eligible to claim back part of the cost.

4) Surround yourself with the right people

Some people make you feel good and lift you up, others – drag you down. Spend more time with people who support your goals, dreams and passions. People who are negative and who make you feel like you aren’t good enough, don’t deserve your time or energy. 

5) Be kind to yourself!

There is only one YOU!  You might not look quite how you want to, be where you want to be in your life or have what you want to have yet, but you are amazing just the way you are. Making goals and creating a plan to FEEL better and move forward is one thing, but it’s not about changing who you are, but instead, taking a journey towards being the best, happiest, healthier version of yourself.

 
Health Advice