04/27/2022
Old habits die hard, she said, dejectedly 😔!
Are you starting to eat better and move more but still you're having a hard time sticking with these changes?
I understand perfectly how you feel, you see changing your habits is a process that involves several stages. Sometimes it takes a while before changes become new habits. And, you may face several challenges along the way.
Below are the four stages of health behavioural changes & what you can do in any of these stages to help you progress.
1. CONTEMPLATION: “I am thinking about it.🤔”
This is the first stage, here, you are thinking about modifying your lifestyle and becoming motivated to get started.
You believe that your health, energy level, or overall well-being will improve if you develop new habits.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
I. Ask yourself about the pros (benefits) and cons (things that get in the way) changing your habits would bring to you .
2. PREPARATION: “I have made up my mind to take action.”🎬
In this stage you are making plans and thinking of specific ideas that will work for you.
You've already set up health goals that you'd like to meet.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
After making your plans, start setting goals for putting your plan into action. Start with small changes first.
For example, “I’m going to walk for 10 minutes, three times a week.”
3. ACTION: “I have started to make changes.”
In this stage, you are acting on your plan and making the changes you set out to achieve.
You've been making eating, physical activity, and other behavior changes in the last 6 months thereabouts.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
I. Track your progress: This helps you your strengths, find areas where you can improve, and stay on course.
II. Overcome roadblocks: - Remind yourself why you want to be healthier.
- Outsmart roadblocks.
III. Reward yourself
4. MAINTENANCE: “I have a new routine.”
In this final stage, you have become used to your changes and have kept them up for more than 6 months.
What You Can Do:
Now that healthy eating and regular physical activity are part of your routine, keep things interesting, avoid slip-ups, and find ways to cope with what life throws at you.
So, tell me WHAT STAGE OF CHANGE ARE YOU IN?
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Source: https://www.niddk.nih.gov
