Tips For Creating Healthy Habits In 2022
It’s been said that it takes 21 days to create a habit. However, a 2009 study discredits this theory, stating that creating a habit can take at least 66 days. Although timelines can vary -- it’s a lot easier to drink water first thing in the morning than it is to lose 10 pounds -- but picking a goal can be the hardest part. Here are some tips for choosing realistic goals for 2022.
Choose a realistic goal - be specific
We all have high expectations for ourselves, so it’s normal to want to create lofty goals, but choosing smaller goals can help you build momentum and hit milestones faster. Say you want to lose 10 pounds. Instead of that being your goal, try including 30 minutes of movement into your day. You will likely move for more than 30 minutes on some days. Once you start moving, it's easier to eat lighter and drink more water too!
Place your goal somewhere where you see it daily
Write your goal down and look at it every day. You can write it in a planner or on your bathroom mirror. Be sure it's someplace where you can remind yourself to stay on track.
Choose something you’re passionate about
You can’t create excitement or motivation where there isn’t any. If you’ve made the same resolution year after year, maybe that’s not the resolution for you. This also goes for choosing a goal that is timed right for the time in your life. If you don’t have the time to cook 7 meals a week, then that can’t be your goal. Maybe try and make dinner 2 days a week and go from there!
Don’t quit if you miss a day
It’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re trying to break old habits but don’t let that stop you from trying again tomorrow. One misstep doesn’t ruin weeks of progress. Tomorrow is a new day!
Surround yourself with a supportive community
It’s hard to make lifestyle changes if you’re surrounded by people who are discouraged from doing the same. Find one friend or search out a group with like-minded goals! This will help you stay on track and motivate you to keep going on those difficult days.
Make a plan and establish a routine
It’s easy to write a goal down and look at it every day but that doesn’t help you reach your goals. Schedule your goal into your routine. If you are cooking more, add meal prep and grocery shopping to your weekend to-do list. If you want to workout more, get a gym membership, find an online program and create time in your schedule to do the workout. Without a plan, a goal cannot be achieved.
Does your 2022 goal include healing your gut? Our GoodGut Program is a 30-day kickstart designed to rebuild and restore gut health long term. We offer a roadmap to relieving digestive symptoms and strengthening the gut against future invaders. We want you to feel your best and our program is designed with YOU in mind. Learn more at mygutgarden.com.
