SMALL STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

steps

In our last blog post we talked about health as a journey, rather than a destination.

It’s all about taking small steps to optimize your health over time.

Today we’re going to help you break down what you want to do and determine manageable ways to make it happen.

Make a List

Make a list of a few healthy habits you’d like to integrate into your routine.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas:

  • Drink more water
  • Get more sleep
  • Do some gentle stretching before bed
  • Eat more vegetables
  • Exercise
  • Spend time journaling, meditating, or praying

Make a Plan

Now pick one item on the list that you would like to start with. Make a plan for exactly how you’re going to carry it out.

Let’s say you’ve decided to drink more water. “Drink more water” is pretty vague and it’s going to be hard to follow through with a vague goal.

Consider how much water you currently drink. What kind of access do you have to water throughout the day? What specifically do you need to do to actually drink that water?

Decide how much water you want to drink. Go out and get yourself a water bottle if you don’t have one. Put it on your desk or carry it around with you. Are you likely to forget to drink your water throughout the day? Put a reminder on your phone, computer, or even a sticky note.

Or perhaps you’ve decided to start exercising more. Let’s use walking or running as an example. Start by putting your walk or run on your calendar at the beginning of the week. Schedule it and follow through the same way you would an important appointment or meeting.

Determine how long you’re going to walk or run (either by time or distance), and think through the route you’d like to take. Make sure you’ve got the clothing and shoes you’ll need. If you’re planning to workout in the morning, set them out the night before so they’re easy to grab when you wake up.

Consider everything you will need to do to follow through and be consistent with your commitment.

Find a Buddy

Goals are always easier (and more fun) to reach when you’re working with someone else. Ask a friend or family member to be your accountability partner. Check in with each other throughout the day or the week and work toward your goals together!

Keep at It

If you don’t meet your goal one day, it’s ok. There’s no need to abandon your efforts and give up altogether. Keep working at it until it becomes a habit. Then pick something else from your list and repeat the process.

Remember, health is a journey. It’s not always going to look pretty or go exactly how we want.

The key is to keep working at it and taking those small steps.

Those small steps over time lead to big changes, which create a healthier you.

Be on the lookout for our next blog on Growth Mindset!

Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.

Got Your Own Question?

Enter your question and one of our team members will get back to you by the end of the next business day (Monday through Thursday). Your information is private and confidential.