When you are trying to be healthier it's essential to celebrate the strides you are making, however do not settle for these small victories. Going out for a daily jog even for five minutes is a commitment if you can maintain that routine. Try to intensify your efforts of getting fit with these four things:
Switch up your exercise routineBesides your daily jog, you can have a ten to fifteen minute exercise routine that stretches and strengthens your muscles. You block out a part exclusively for it, or you can scatter these activities throughout the day. When you become accustomed to your routine either increase the intensity or introduce new habits because at this point, it's most likely no longer as effective as it once was.
If you struggle to commit to exercising, try doing it in a group setting like a class or participate in a sport. These environments can encourage you more as you can aim to catch up with your teacher or try to reach the level of a classmate. Competition can be healthy if done right.
Commit to your dietAfter you receive your meal plan from your doctor or nutritionist, try to stick to it the best you can. It might be hard to give up all the junk food at first, but remember that the struggle has to go with the routine. Many healthy snacks can be just as sweet and as satisfying as a candy bar.
Besides getting rid of the junk food, try to regularize your eating times and your portions since health, after all, is about striking a balance. Overeating of a good thing can also have side-effects. Those side-effects are not signs to avoid vegetables, but a prompt to practice moderation and if you do not feel well, consult your doctor and share your concerns so that it can be tweaked. There is a learning curve to finding what works best for you.
Have an outlet for mental and emotional stressFitness is not just about the state of your physical body; you need to care for your mental and emotional well-being so try to find an outlet where you can release all your pent-up energy. It could be artistic like painting or athletic like swimming, as these all are activities that should let you relax and de-stress. You can also take the time to process and deconstruct areas of struggle so that it does not burden you later. Affirmation exercises and meditation are other ways you can improve your mental and emotional state.
Consult your doctor regularlyFor those who are new to fitness, there is a lot to process. As much as personal research is encouraged, there are many health and medical myths on the internet. There are even lessons from your physical education in school that have been debunked, so working with a doctor like
Dr. Kris Chaffin can really help you identify points of improvement with updated information. They can also help you create a balanced plan that goes beyond addressing your primary concerns, but also provides advice for slowly making the healthy switch like diets and meal plans.
Going the extra mile can, slowly but surely, open you up to massive improvement with the physical and emotional aspects of your body, as long as you're prepared to work for it.