April Wellness Spotlight
April: Healthy Habit Formation
Habits can be a good thing! Developing healthy habits can be one of the most beneficial ways to improve productivity and overall health. According to the CDC, 6 out of 10 adults have a chronic disease. The main cause of this is due to poor habits in diet, physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. It may seem like the best way to develop healthy habits is to make many lifestyle changes all at once, yet the best solution is to make small and consistent changes to daily routines. Healthy habits such as daily physical activity, 8 hours of sleep per night, and balanced nutrition can all improve overall health and quality of life.
Habit formation takes time and patience. One way to stay motivated in the process is through realistic goal setting. Starting with simple changes to your daily life can help build confidence. A few examples of ways to get started in forming healthy habits are drinking more water, taking short walks during the day, and setting a consistent bedtime. These examples are manageable ways to start the process without becoming overwhelmed by too many tasks.
Why Healthy Habits are Important:
- Consistent routines can help decrease the risk of chronic health conditions
- Regular exercise can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce stress
- Small daily choices can lead to long term wellness and health
How to Start a New Habit, according to Brown University Health:
- Make a decision
- Be specific and realistic
- Start small
- Make it part of your schedule
- Stick to it
- Let others know your intentions
Forming healthy habits takes time, but will lead to lasting change. It is important to take these steps towards a healthier life to decrease the risk of chronic disease. By starting with simple actions, healthy habits will become part of everyday life. It is crucial to begin this process now to support a future of strong physical and mental health.
References:
American Heart Association: Making Habits Stick
