This season, give yourself the gift of one new healthy habit. Just one. This habit should help you live well, age well, or manage a long-term condition. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. Consider these 3 steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to build your habit:
- Make a plan. Ask yourself why you want to build this particular habit or make this change. Write down your ‘why’. Picture your end goal and make it ‘smart’. As an example, instead of saying ‘I’ll eat more vegetables’, say ‘I will eat crunchy vegetables for my afternoon snack and a salad before dinner for one month’.
- S- Specific
- M-Measurable
- A- Achievable
- R- Relevant
- T- Time-bound
- Be accountable. Track your progress on a spreadsheet, app, diary, or notebook. Engage the support of others.
- Recognize your success. Treat yourself with a reward. If your plan doesn’t seem to be working, celebrate the fact that you didn’t give up. Then work to make your goal happen.
Your new habit is up to you. Here are some ideas from the CDC if you need inspiration:
- Eat more vegetables or fruits
- Cook more meals at home or take your own lunch to work/school
- Cut back on sugary/salty snacks
- Substitute whole grains for refined grains (brown rice instead of white rice)
- Add an exercise routine
- Add a new exercise or activity
- Drink more water and fewer sweet drinks
- Disease/condition self-monitoring
Enjoy the rewards that come from your success. Before long, you’ll be making and achieving more health goals! For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention-type2/building-a-healthy-habit