LIVING HEALTHY & FIT: SIMPLE HABITS FOR SUCCESS

Life can be very hectic and with all that we have going on, it can sometimes be a challenge to stay on the healthy and fit bus. Believe me I know! As a wife, careerist, entrepreneur, educator, and doing all of my community volunteerism – sometimes I fall short. But, because I desire to be healthy, strong, and fit (mentally, physically and spiritually) — I make the time and keep starting over each day. I make my health and wellness a PRIORITY…

I’m here to tell you and I’m a prime example that being fit and healthy doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself working out for hours a day and eating nothing but chicken and steamed broccoli for every meal. If you’re ready to make some changes, it’s going to take dedication, hard work, and self-control. You can do it if you stick to some simple habits! Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Make the time.

My eyebrows raise when I hear people saying I just can’t find the time. Yes, you can and you must “make the time” to invest in your health and wellness. Remember that your health is your wealth. So, if you want to live a healthy and fit life, it requires making time. You must find the time in your day-to-day schedule that works best for you and make sure that it’s dedicated solely to fitness. For example:

• Make sure there is at least one hour per day that is solely devoted to exercise
• Make sure you are doing a combination of cardio, weight training, and stretching
• Make sure you have a good meal plan that includes healthy choices and macros
• Make sure you schedule relaxation time into your daily routine (meditation, journaling, reading)

Make it a priority.

If you’re serious about living a healthy lifestyle, then it needs to be a priority in your life. Not just something that gets thrown in there when it’s convenient or easy for you; but something that is part of every day and every choice that you make.

It’s easy for things like work or school, family obligations and social events to get in the way of our fitness goals – but those things don’t have any bearing on whether or not we should be exercising regularly! If anything they should make us want more from ourselves because we want our lives even fuller than it already is by adding activities into them that will bring us happiness and fulfillment over time (like working out).

Make small changes, that will lead to BIG ones.

Again, life can be hectic and throw you some curve balls. You are also going to face obstacles and challenges that will get in the way/ But, you must not allow our setbacks stop us from staying focused and on the journey, especially when it comes to our health. Know that when you’re trying to make a big change, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. But if you start with small changes and build on them, there will be less pressure and more success in your journey.

It’s better not to try too much at once. Start with one or two changes that fit into your lifestyle and are relatively easy for you–for example, walk 10 minutes a day–and then add more as those become part of your routine (like adding another 5 minutes).

Make sure you get outside and move more often.

Whatever your jam is, whether its walking, running, cycling, etc. move more outside. Being in nature is so good for your soul, mind, and body. It is so important because it improves our immune system, increase creativity, improve relationships, and get you some good vitamin D. Things to help engage you outside:

• Find an accountability buddy, or several. It’s easier to stick to your goals when you have someone else to keep you accountable, so look for friends or family members who want to be outdoors and active as well.
• Choose a safe place. What I have done is partner with my local police/sheriff departments and they are so great at having someone in the locations that I run. Having their presence is everything!
• Change up your route every now and then–you’ll find new places in town if only by accident! Try taking shortcuts through parks rather than continuing down main roads all day long; grab lunch from one restaurant instead of eating out three days straight because it’s too hot out there anyway…these little changes add up over time so that eventually everything feels fresh again!

Make sure you do something you enjoy every day – even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes at a time.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:

• Wake up early and do your daily affirmations, meditate, and then do some yoga.
• Take a walk. Even if it’s just around the block or around your house, getting outside and moving will help clear your head and give you some much-needed perspective.
• Listen to music or podcast (Powerful Purpose – The Dr. Zonzie McLaurin podcast is a great one (wink wink) that makes you feel good.
• Read an inspiring book (or listen on audiobook) while you are on the treadmill, elliptical, etc. Just keep moving and be creative with what you are doing.

Make sure you reward yourself wisely with something that isn’t food or drink (or coffee!) once in awhile.

A lot of the research I have done and what I teach others is to make sure that you reward yourself with something that isn’t food or drink (or coffee!). It could be as simple as a massage, a movie and popcorn, or a trip to the bookstore. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, buy new workout gear or get a mani or pedi.

Make sure you don’t quit when you get into a rut – just keep going! It’ll get easier!

I know it can be frustrating when you are not seeing the results you want to see immediately, especially if it seems like your progress has stalled. But, please don’t give up! Just keep going, putting in the work, and pressing forward even if it feels like there are no results. You will get there eventually and then you can pat yourself on the back for all of your hard work.

Remember its a process that takes time, but it is worth it because when we improve our health, we improve our lives. If you need some motivation or support along the way, find someone else who is struggling with similar goals and make them part of your journey (or vice versa).

Know that you can do this!!! I’m rooting for you…

You can do this!! I’m cheering for you. Know that you have the power to change your life for the better, and I’m going to help you with that. You must dig deep and stay committed to the process.

Know that it is possible to make those necessary changes in your lifestyle and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can make time in your day or week to do things that are good for you, like exercise or eating well. You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods–I promise! Just cut out some of them so they don’t take over everything else in your life.

Have that mindset that allows you to see that landscape view of why you need to change your lifestyle

You also need a positive-growth mindset about yourself and your life if you want progress towards living healthy & fit! The more you develop that growth mindset you will see and feel those rooted habits start making a difference in your daily routine. Having a growth mindset will help you navigate through the times when you need that extra push.

I’ve got a great FREE Growth Mindset Workbook that has some great strategies and tips to help you truly harness a good growth mindset for success (Click this link: https://drzonziemclaurin-growthmindsetworkbook.ck.page/8a0be6fb17 )

Here are some things to think about as you are changing your habits and mindset to live a healthy and fit life:

1. Know Why You Want to Change

Knowing why it is important to change to a more healthy lifestyle is vital. This will motivate you help you stick to the process. You will also be more likely to stick with the changes once they become a part of your life, because they were made with purpose and not just because someone else said so.

So why do you want to lose weight and become holistically healthy and fit? Is it because of health reasons or because of vanity? Do you want more energy so that you can play with your kids/grandkids or have more stamina for work? Maybe it’s both! Whatever the reason may be, write down all the reasons why losing weight would benefit your life – then keep this list handy when temptation strikes!

2. Decide What Changes to Make to Your Life

As you decide what changes to make, make sure they are realistic and achievable. If you want to lose 20 pounds, but only plan on exercising once a week and eating pizza every night, then your goal is not going to be very effective. You also need to think about whether or not these goals are things that will last in the long term. If they’re not something that fits into your lifestyle or makes sense for who you are as a person (i.e., they don’t align with what matters most), then it might be best just starting over with something else instead of repeating this process over again each time there’s an issue with previous attempts at self-improvement. Finally, consider whether or not these goals are enjoyable–if all else fails and nothing else works out for us after trying our hardest at something new for months without seeing any results whatsoever (which happens often!), then chances are good that continuing down this path wouldn’t provide enough enjoyment either!

3. Get Support from Others Who Have Made Similar Changes

You’ll also benefit from getting support from others who have made similar changes. You can ask them how they did it and what the biggest challenges were for them, as well as what they would do differently if they had to do it all over again.

In addition, some people may not be able to give you advice, but still want to be supportive of your efforts. This can be especially helpful if you have friends who are already fit and healthy and want to see their own positive habits reflected in yours as well!

4. Maintain a Healthy Schedule

Make time for sleep. Sleeping is an important part of staying healthy and fit, but many people struggle to get a full night’s rest. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Establish exercise habits that you enjoy doing regularly, such as walking or running in nature with friends or family members. You can also exercise alone by going for hikes around your neighborhood or riding bicycles through parks near home or work.*

You can live healthy and fit while making significant changes and maintaining balance in your life

Remember that change is a process and you need to celebrate the small and big wins. It’s about taking those small steps and you don’t have to give up your social life, or the foods you love. Do things in moderation and choose wisely to continue to see those significant changes.

And, it’s important to remember that no two bodies are alike! What works for one person may not work as well for another–or at all! That’s why it’s important not only to find what works best FOR YOU but also how long it takes until those results start showing up (and how long they last).

Lastly, I hope that this article has given you some insight how some simple habits can make a big difference. You can do this if you put your mind and heart into it. The most important thing is that you keep trying and don’t give up when things get tough – there will always be bad days where nothing goes right or feels good; but if you keep moving forward despite those setbacks then eventually things will start falling into place (and maybe even better than expected!).

God has designed you to do amazing things and you have such a POWERFUL PURPOSE. Go out each day and use it.