How to start smashing your goals
Flick the Switch in your brain towards a healthier new year...
There’s no denying it, December was a busy month. Our social battery -recharging after work functions and family gatherings. Our bellies - full of Christmas pudding. It’s time for a fresh start and to set some healthy habits for the year ahead. Let’s ‘flick the switch’…
In the past, exercise has been largely focused on body image. Nowadays, we know looking after ourselves physically will help us feel better mentally. So how can we incorporate healthy weight loss whilst maintaining our mental health? Well… flick the switch in your brain and start taking steps towards your goals right now! Not tomorrow, not next week, let’s start right now!
Start today…
By putting off your goals and not setting timeframes you’re establishing procrastination habits in your brain. Meaning you’re more likely to put things off again in the future. Commitment and willpower are associated with motivation and resilience. There’s always going to be a reason to put something off until tomorrow - we naturally opt for the easy way out. Be mindful of why you chose to put something off. There’s a solution for nearly everything and a small step you can take towards overcoming it. Each day you can take the opportunity to do something, you’ll be rewarded by results much quicker. Make the time for yourself and remove all distractions.
The 30-Minute Mantra
Weight loss and improved fitness are common goals. We naturally want to be healthy and feel confident in our bodies, and it can be as simple as dedicating 30-minutes a day to movement. By making this commitment, you can better manage your weight and blood sugar levels. Not only that, it also releases feel-good chemicals into our bodies. Choose an activity you’re comfortable with, it could be a brisk walk, gardening, or interval training, get moving and get motivated. In return, your energy will increase, your mood will improve, you’ll get better sleep, and your body will feel better for it.
Walking is the easiest, simple way to get moving. Walking increases your breathing rate and causes oxygen to run faster through the blood stream. This helps remove toxins in the body through sweat, aids digestion and improves your circulation.
Creativity is the new Vitamin C
Expressing your creativity helps activate both sides of our brain. Creativity is also like our immune-boosting friend Vitamin C, improving immune function and decreasing inflammation. We naturally consume vitamins from the food we eat. Wondering what diet will help us get the right ones and lose weight? The answer is none! There’s no pre-designed diet for anyone.
It’s completely customisable and it’s completely up to you. Mix-up your routine and buy different groceries. Attempt to pick a random coloured vegetable to add to your pasta, or a weird looking fruit to your porridge. By trying new foods and encouraging yourself to be creative with your meals you will subsequently boost your vitamin intake by eating a diverse and nutritious diet.
By thinking outside the box, you’ll activate parts of the brain that processes emotions and helps you manage negative feelings more effectively. Plus, by choosing healthier alternatives, you’ll better manage your weight.
If there’s one new year’s resolution to stick to it’s ‘take one small step, take it now”.