Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Last Updated on September 21, 2021 by Steal the Style
It might be tempting to wait until the new year to set up some resolutions for your health, but why lose those months of potential? The best time to start setting up goals for your health is right now, especially with the fall season full of temptations and opportunities.
But setting up health goals can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. Many people start with big intentions, find themselves backsliding, and then give up. There are several simple ways to start setting goals that you’ll be able to keep and reap the benefits before the holiday season hits.
In This Post:
Be Practical
The first reason so many health plans fall by the wayside? Committing to a plan you can’t manage long-term. So many people think they can tackle every bad habit they have overnight. The problem with that is that breaking bad habits requires focus—and it’s hard to focus when your attention is split. If you want to get a better night’s sleep, you might not want to go on a diet at the same time to make sure you don’t go to bed hungry.
Tackling a long-term plan can be imposing as well, which is why it’s important to chunk out your plans into manageable portions. Starting with weekly goals and changing one thing per week can be a good place to start. Don’t forget to give yourself something to look forward to. If you’re changing your diet, it may be a good idea to focus on the new diet for six days and give yourself one day off to “cheat.” This will make it easier to stick to the plan during the week.
Seek Out Professional Guidance
Your health isn’t something to take lightly. Not only should you make sure you’re staying rested and hydrated and maintaining good nutrition while you attempt any changes, but it’s easy to overlook hidden pitfalls. This is common for people trying juice cleanses, where they omit an important vitamin or mineral in their diet plan. This is why it’s important to meet with knowledgeable people like registered dieticians, personal trainers, and doctors before you commit to a plan.
You might be thinking, “Why not just look online at what they have to say?” The problem with that is that online info is a minefield of misinformation. Much is user-submitted, and often the same website might have some articles that are legitimate and some that don’t pass the smell test. The best way to get the information you need is to look up someone with experience in it. That way, you can also get any follow-up information during your health journey from someone you trust.
Make It Accessible
The death of so many diets is not having anything good to eat at home. It’s easier to go out and try to find something healthy—and then the next thing you know, you’re chowing down on a burger and fries. Stocking your home with healthy foods before you start, keeping low-calorie sweeteners on hand, and having home exercise equipment to give you the chance to work out without having to make a run to the gum can keep your plan afloat.
It’s also important to figure out simple ways to keep your healthy new routine, even when you’re in a rush. Adult gummy vitamins can be great for a nutrition boost even if your diet loses a step. If you don’t have time to pull off a full workout one day, you can still burn a few calories by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s all about making your schedule work for you.
Reward Your Progress
Maintaining new health goals is hard. Make sure you’re keeping yourself motivated with regular rewards. Give yourself something to look forward to at the end of a hard week. Even if you’re not aiming for a specific goal or target weight, make sure you have a concrete goal in mind and you have something to push you forward.
A common issue many people run into with health goals is that they let it take over their lives. This can cause burnout or lead to neglecting other parts of their life routine. Find balance in your new routine by taking time for yourself, knowing your limits, and involving your family and your friends in your new routine, so working out is energizing rather than lonely.
Get Started Today
Every step is one bit closer to your goal. Whether your goals are ambitious or limited in scope, there’s no better time to start than now. These new health goals can help set you up for even larger milestones in the future.