Do you tell yourself you'll get back on track after the summer?
August can feel chaotic. The kids are off school, we're trying to juggle work around childcare or trips away. What's the point in focusing on healthy habits when the routine is constantly changing?
But what if August is actually the perfect time to focus on smaller changes rather than bigger ones?
One of the biggest mistakes we all can make with health goals is assuming we have to do everything perfectly for it to count.
Drink more water. Eat better. Exercise more. Sleep more. Reduce stress.
All at once.
The reality is that habits are far more likely to stick when they're realistic and fit around your actual life. The real version, not the idealistic image of what you want your life to be like.
Instead of trying to completely transform your lifestyle.
Try asking yourself, "What's one small thing I can do consistently, even during the holidays, that can help me with my health goals?"
That might be:
- Taking a water bottle when you're out with the children or heading to work.
- Adding fruit to your breakfast.
- Going for a 10-minute family walk after dinner.
- Having a glass of water while making the kids' breakfast.
- Packing some chopped vegetables and hummus when heading out for the day.
- Body weight squats whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.
- Taking five minutes to plan meals before your weekly shop.
- Having a small handful of nuts (30g) as your mid-morning snack.
Small actions may not feel impressive, but they add up.
The other thing to consider is what could help you succeed and what might get in your way. What are the barriers to whatever it is you want to try and implement?
- If you want to drink more water, do you have a water bottle you actually enjoy using?
- If you want to eat more fruit, is it washed, prepared and easy to grab?
- If you want to walk more, have trainers and comfortable clothes ready by the door?
Rather than relying on willpower and motivation alone, we need to consider our environment and skills so we can create conditions that make success easier!
Identify the barriers, don't ignore them.
Plan for them.
This month, give yourself permission to stop aiming for perfection.
Choose one small habit. Make it easy. Plan ahead.
Then repeat it often enough that it starts to become automatic - just part of who you are.
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And if you know what you need to do but struggle to make it happen consistently in real life, my 1:1 service can help you build realistic habits, overcome barriers and create a plan that works around your life.
