"Brick by brick, my fellow citizens, brick by brick."- Emperor Hadrian said this to his people after Rome was set on fire. He urged them to rebuild Rome in a concise manner that will endure all the hardships of time.
The concept of healthy living is overwhelming for most. Having to prioritize regular exercise, eating well, sleeping enough, and working a full time job or career path is not easy. Frankly nothing gets easier but the process of adapting to these changes does. Health habits are bricks and just like any well constructed structure you don't build it in one day. This structure is built over time. One habit at a time. Each time these habits are perfectly laid and cemented in place it builds further structure for more habits to support it. Using the example of physical activity, you develop the habit of working out 3 days a week. This habit when reinforced leads you to another habit of packing your bag the night before you go to the gym. This habit when reinforced leads you to another habit of packing your meals the night before you go to the gym or go to work. All of these bricks support one another to make a beautiful wall of habits. These habits when taken slowly and constructed in a way that allows for them to be assimilated into your life with little resistance allows them to stand the test of time. These habits can lead to amazing things that allow you to have more freedom and joy in your life such as free time, passion, energy or a new found love of health. The most important aspect of building this metaphorical wall is to start with one brick. The first brick needs to be placed down as your reference point for further growth. Do not be afraid to lay this first brick because it will allow you to focus your thoughts on another place on the wall for another brick. I encourage you to build your wall and allow it to lead you through the hardest parts of life. You'll thank yourself everyday for these healthy habits that were started by one brick.
Some of my favorite ways/techniques to develop healthy habits are listed below
Understand your habits or routines
“The first step to changing your behavior is to create an awareness around what you do regularly” - Dr. Lisa Marsch
Become aware of what you do on a regular basis. Do you eat too much before bed or watch TV all night? Acknowledge it. Now begin to work on habits that will push you in a healthy direction.
Start Small at First
The author B.J. Fogg, author of “Tiny Habits” , talks about how massive changes require a huge amount of effort and motivation to start up and continue. Starting on smaller habits can help ease the burden and allow you to ease into the process.
Understand your Why
Understanding your why will allow you to push away temptations when they arise and keep you motivated to move forward.
Be Patient
Understand that each habit will take time to develop and some are harder than others. Be patient with yourself and work to improve on it each day.
I really hope this information was useful to you. If you or others are in the process of developing healthy eating habits, exercise routines or improving healthy aspects of your life the team at Ryan Howard Coaching would love to work with you! Reach out for a consultation and we can discuss your future health goals together!
-Ryan
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