Tips to Building Healthier Life Habits

 

 

If the pandemic caused you to gain a couple of pounds or waylaid your efforts to get to the gym or take a walk, now is the time to resume your resolve to be a better you. “Research shows that the start of any new phase — be it the resumption of post-pandemic life, turning a year older or the invigorating days of spring — can serve as powerful psychological motivation to kick-start new habits. It’s called the fresh-start effect.”

In fact according to behavioral experts, anytime we have a change in our lives such as the stage we are now going into is a good time to think about habits we want to change. However they advise many of our actions are habitual and many of us may need more than motivation to create new habits.

One tip to healthier habits is to gradually lay the foundation for a new habit by setting realistic and specific goals. For example if a goal is to begin walking, start by putting on your walking shoes every day at a time anchored to something you already do such as right after dinner. From there evolve your habit into actually walking.

Professionals say it is easier to adopt a new habit into your routine if it is something you enjoy. Adding a social component like walking or taking an exercise class with a friend can make exercise more pleasurable. Studies find people who team up with an “exercise buddy” have more success, and researchers say it is a probably the combination of enjoyment and accountability.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ is a beautiful senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. We have 38 Casitas for independent living (quadraplexes with attached garages) and 65 private assisted living suites in a range of floorplans as well as compassionate memory care. Remarkable for our exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understands it is a privilege to serve seniors.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/creating-healthy-habits.html