As many of you know, we started the #FitnessDate challenge to help couples make permanent healthy lifestyle changes. The challenge was created out of a need for us to get healthier. Recently, my report from the doctor was “get active or start taking meds.” Well, I’m not a meds taking type of girl so the hubby said, I’ll help you get active. So a change needed to happen and is happening.
Change can be difficult. It’s particularly difficult when it’s a habit that you guys have held onto for a long time. However, change can also be great. When you’re trying to make a change for a healthier lifestyle, there are sure-fire ways to make it easier tolerable.
Here are five smart steps to take to incorporate a permanent healthier lifestyle change in your marriage.
#1 Replace bad habits with good ones
Instead of trying to eliminate behaviors and get rid of bad habits, create new habits. It’s much easier to modify than it is to eliminate. For example, perhaps you drink a lot of soda each day. Trying to eliminate soda from your day may be a difficult task. However, if you replace soda with sparkling water then it becomes much easier.
Identify the habits you need to change and create a new habit to replace them.
#2 Small steps
Trying to make a major lifestyle change is extremely difficult. It can often feel overwhelming. Instead, create smaller changes that support a larger goal. For example, if your goal is to exercise for thirty minutes each day, start small. The first week, make your goal to exercise for ten minutes each day. That’s manageable and you will succeed. The next week, add five minutes to your routine. Continue adding five minutes each week until you’ve reached your goal.
Identify the big changes you want to make to your lifestyle and create smaller goals that support your change. It’s much easier to achieve smaller goals than to make a huge lifestyle change. You’ll have a smoother road to success. And it’ll be easier to sustain your new lifestyle habit.
#3 Reward yourself
Making changes in your life is challenging. Take time to reward yourself for your successes. When you guys achieve a goal, even the small goals, treat yourselves to something nice. Get a massage. Watch your favorite movie. Do something nice for each other. However, make sure the reward supports your new lifestyle change.
For example, if you’re cutting out sugary snacks you don’t want the reward to be a sugary snack. Instead, reward yourself with an afternoon off from work, or a new gadget or pair of shoes.
#4 Make it easy
Some lifestyle changes feel complicated. In fact, many unhealthy habits became habits because they were easy. For example, going to the drive through for lunch is easier than planning ahead and packing a lunch. You’ll have more success if you can make adopting your new habit as easy as possible. For example, you might pack your lunch the night before and do your shopping on the weekend.
This week plan to take your lunch two days this week. Everyday would be great but we taking small steps this week!
#5 Cut yourself some slack
Change can be challenging. Instead of feeling down or giving up when you struggle, give yourself a break. Acknowledge that you messed up. Then turn and face the challenge head on with a positive attitude.
The key to making permanent lifestyle changes is to manage your expectations. Approach your goals with a strategy and a plan. Nothing happens overnight. However, with patience and dedication you guys can make complete lifestyle changes. Live a longer, stronger and better life and marriage!
Remember this is not a sprint but more of a marathon. Set some real doable goals and expectations for you and your spouse. if we can do it, you can do it!
Do you and your spouse workout together?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Definitely start small. This is all such great advice 🙂
Vanessa says
Great tips for a healthier lifestyle for sure. I love to work out and it keeps me going. Stopping by from the team work blogging thread
maria @closetohome says
I don’t have the problem with the exercise so much as the bad eating… as we age our metabolism changes too… ughh
Christine Luken says
I work out very early in the morning, so usually my hubby doesn’t join me. But when the weather is nice, we take walks together after dinner.
Jennifer B says
It is so true that taking small steps leads to big changes down the road! Great tips!
Cathy says
My husband and I don’t usually work out together, but we are very supportive of each others’ fitness goals, which is very important to having a successful and healthy life (and marriage).
becca says
I agree taking small steps and changing things one habit at a time is good. Doing it slowly will make it last longer and you’ll stick with it.
Susan says
The idea of replacing bad habits with good ones is such a more encouraging way to look at making changes.
Lorane says
Its so nice of your Husband to be a part of this Challenge. I agree with the Rewards , it dosen’t even have to be something huge and expensive
Heather says
I agree that Small Steps is a good “step” in getting fit – don’t try too much, too fast!
Liz Mays says
Replacing the bad habits with good ones is a good step. Sometimes you have to find a similar (more healthy) replacement!
Rosey says
Hubby and I have never worked out together the whole time we’ve been married. Just recently we discussed it for the first time. It may happen. 🙂
Debbie Denny says
Good ideas. A healthier lifestyle is good.
Lois Alter Mark says
These are great tips. Taking small steps is such an important way to succeed.
Trisha says
Thanks for these tips! I really need to start working on living a healthier lifestyle, not just for me but for my family as well.
Julie says
Good tips. I like do small steps. If you do too much too quickly you end up giving up as it gets too hard. Looking forward to co-hosting with you on Wordless Wednesday.
Julie
Krystal says
These are great tips! I am trying to find a hobby for us to do together!
Diane @ Philzendia says
Great tips. I’m making small changes as well.
lisa says
My husband and I try to workout together at least a couple days a week, depending on his work schedule. I like the extra time together.
Debi says
Small steps are important. I have found it is the only way for me to get where I need to be.
Karren Haller says
I think this will make a great feature post for our OMHGWW this week. Thanks for being a Co-Host.
Have a great week!!
Karren@Oh My Heartsie GIrl
Adoring Family says
very inspiring! I love the one about rewarding yourself!