Feb 13

Feb 13 Healthy Habits + Healthy Choices = Personal Health and Personal Wealth!

Janette Isaacs, R.N. Jemi Health & Wellness

The process in which our brain converts a sequence of actions into automatic routines is how habits are formed. The problem is that our brain cannot tell the difference between “good” or “bad” habits! Moreover, we may not remember the environmental influences that formed our habits, but once they are lodged within our brains they influence our behavior. We all know how hard it is to break “bad” habits; studies confirm that it takes 60 to 90 days to form “good” habits.

So, how do we change “bad” lifestyle habits and form new “good”, “healthy” habits?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Begin with an action plan.
Break a big goal into smaller more short-term goals. For instance, if you add 2 tablespoons of sugar in your tea or coffee, as a small goal begin with 1 ½ tablespoons for the first week, then 1 tablespoon for the second week, until you reach your goal of no sugar in your tea or coffee.
Build an accountability circle. Tell a trusted family member or friend about your healthy habit goal(s), not someone who may sabotage your efforts.
Give yourself a “cheat” day. If you made healthy food choices and exercised all week, choose 1 day on the weekend to enjoy a “treat."

Stick with it; remember, personal health = personal wealth!