This article is for everyone who has trouble implementing healthy lifestyle changes, whether it is a specific diet, a better sleep schedule, or more exercise on a daily basis. I will share with you 5 steps that have helped me to transition to live a healthy lifestyle and I believe it will set you up for success!

Step 1:  Trick your mind into thinking that this is just a temporary challenge

I am going to use eating habits as an example, but the same applies to all lifestyle changes. The thought of giving up things that you love like certain eating habits can feel very depressing. It can feel like your life and happiness depends on those things and without them, you will never be happy again. That is why quick diets are so popular. We don’t like the thought of lifestyle changes. So the trick is to not think so far ahead and tell yourself over and over again: “I m just going to give this a try for 30 days and then I can go back to the old habits that I love so much. What are 30 days compared to a lifetime? This will just be a little short-term experiment or challenge to see how I feel. No commitment whatsoever.” That approach will change everything. It will stop all the negative overwhelming thoughts. Now you can focus all your energy on discovering a whole new amazing world that you might prefer. If these changes will make you feel better it will be easy to keep going. Once the benefits are greater than the sacrifice the question of whether to go back to your old eating or/and living habits won’t come up.

Step 2: Educate yourself as much as you can

It is so much easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle if you really know why it is so important. Most people know the basics of healthy living. Let’s take exercise as an example. It is common knowledge that we should exercise regularly to stay healthy. But once you really know what exactly happens to your body if you do versus if you don’t, it might change your perspective. Ignorance is bliss but won’t help you when it comes to lifestyle changes. The better you are informed the easier it will be for you to make smart decisions when it comes to your health. It will feel less like you are following someone else’s orders and more like you made the decision on your own.

Step 3: Change things one step at a time

Some people like to go cold turkey but most of us get overwhelmed and quit. Try something new every week and celebrate small accomplishments. It is so rewarding that way! Write a list of all the things you want to implement and tackle them one at a time. Do it at your own pace and don’t compare yourself to other people. Remember that every little improvement is already a step in the right direction. The more you enjoy the process the more likely you will be to stick to it.

Step 4: Be nice to yourself

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you “fall off the wagon”, brush it off and jump right on it. Nobody is perfect. When you think negative thoughts about yourself, imagine that you are talking to someone you love. Would you think the same way about them? Would you talk to them the same way? Probably not! Be your biggest cheerleader and be thankful that you decided to take charge of your own health. Think positive when times are rough and remind yourself why you took the decision to live a healthier life.

Step 5: Timing

Find a good time to start transitioning; for example, wait until after the family vacation to start. Find a moment where you can focus on it. Good timing will set you up for a great start. It will take some time to get adjusted to all the new things in the beginning, but don’t worry, it will soon all become part of your routine. Just make sure you are not using timing as an excuse to postpone it too much. Your health is more important than anything else.

Good luck and know that you are so much more capable of change than you think! You can do it! 🙂