You might have already caught on to our theme this week if you’ve been keeping an eye on our social media: it’s all about consistency.
Consistency is the key to finding success in many areas of our life, whether it’s fitness and health, or our personal or professional development.
But did you know consistency is also great for our mental AND physical health?
When our lives have less uncertainty and unpredictability, our stress and anxiety levels decrease. For example, knowing exactly what we need to do each day and when we’ll make time for important tasks helps us feel more in control. Streamlined daily routines reduce decision fatigue and improve our focus. With established routines, we save mental energy for more complex tasks, giving us more mental space for problem-solving and creativity!
Just like our bodies seek the path of least resistance, our brains strive for efficiency. When we regularly repeat actions, we strengthen our neural pathways, making these actions automatic over time. (Hello, neuroplasticity!) And as things become more automatic, they require less conscious effort to do them. This means these actions slowly become easier to do, and our life becomes more structured and balanced.
When we make physical activities a routine, our endorphin levels are increased through activity. This boosts our mood and energy, and enhances our focus and mental clarity. Physical activity also helps our bodies function better and improves our sleep regulation. And what does better sleep do? That’s right, it regulates our cortisol levels and we are right back to the benefit of a calmer and better focused mind!
STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING AND
MAINTAINING GOOD HABITS
START SMALL: Don’t jump right in expecting an immediate and complete new lifestyle. Break down your goals into smaller bite-sized steps and give yourself grace and patience. You’ve heard the old saying, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’
USE TRIGGERS: Establish something that starts the habit. This might be an established “I do X every time I do Z”, or setting an alarm on your phone. Your trigger can be anything that helps remind you to practice your habit-to-be.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: whether it’s using a habit tracker in a planner, using a journal or even an app on your phone, giving yourself a visual aid to see your progress can be motivating and reinforce your new habit.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Share your goals with a friend, or join a community with similar interests that can offer encouragement and support. Tell a friend what class you’re going to be at so you will be less inclined to cancel.
TREAT YOSELF: celebrate even the smallest of milestones! Whether it’s taking a moment to just stop and be proud of yourself, or treating yourself to something specific you only do upon milestone completion, you deserve to show up for yourself with applause!
STAY FLEXIBLE: The most predictable thing about life is its own unpredictability. Setbacks will happen, but treat them like a pause/play situation rather than a starting over mindset. What’s most important is you jump right back in without self-judgement.
Don’t forget: this is a journey, not a marathon. There will be ups, downs and roadblocks, but even the smallest efforts is another step toward your happiest and healthiest self.
Start now.
Stay consistent.
Don’t give up,
And watch your transformation!
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