By: Sheila Olson

Photo via Pixabay by Congerdesign

If you made a goal to get active and healthy but haven’t been able to follow through, don’t feel bad; millions of Americans make the same promise to themselves and deal with the same obstacles and struggles that you are. Sometimes it’s through no fault of their own, or because of unforeseen circumstances that got in the way--such is life. 

If you started a new exercise routine but have given up on it, or find yourself heading to the drive-thru during a busy week rather than grabbing a healthy dinner, think again about how you might make some changes that you can stick to. This can also be a great way to learn about self-care if you’re coming out of a battle with drug addiction.

Here are the best ways to create a new healthy routine and follow through with it.

Make it fun

Think of the things you loved to do when you were younger, such as roller skating, swimming, playing a sport, using a hula hoop. These are all great ways to get active. Take something fun and apply it to your exercise routine, and try something new each day to keep it fresh. 

You can also go simple and just push back the furniture for a dance party with the kiddos. Make it a theme night with glow sticks and flashlights! Getting the family involved in your new routine can help you stay motivated, and it’s a great teaching experience as well. Daily exercise can boost self-esteem and energy levels and can teach kids about the importance of taking care of themselves. 

Incorporate new tactics into your daily routine

It can be hard to stick to a new regimen when you’re working out or changing your diet haphazardly. Set a schedule for exercise rather than getting it in whenever you have a few minutes to spare, and find ways to change up the way you eat that can easily incorporate into your everyday life. For instance, buy a large reusable plastic bottle that you can fill with water and sip on during the day. This way, you can stay hydrated and see how much water you’re drinking--most Americans don’t get nearly enough.

Work out at home

While a gym is a wonderful place to get fit, some people prefer working out at home. Not only is it easier (and cheaper!), but if you have kids, they’ll get the benefit of seeing you be active, which can have a positive effect on their own abilities. Set up your own at-home gym with a stability ball, a yoga mat, some resistance bands, and some free weights. This is a great way to stay on track because you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to work out.

Treat yourself

When you’ve had a good week, or when you’ve pushed through a workout despite being tired, treat yourself to a massage or pedicure. You can also treat yourself to a delicious smoothie, which has the added benefit of getting more fruit and vegetables into your diet (you’ll likely need a blender strong enough to crush ice). Giving yourself little pats on the back can help keep you motivated, so think about the best ways to help yourself feel good. Self-care can encompass many areas; it doesn’t have to be anything specific to someone else’s needs. If a long, hot bath makes you feel comfortable and ready to tackle the day, do it! 

Daily exercise can help you feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally, so make it a point to stay motivated by asking for support from your friends and loved ones. Create a workout plan and stick to it, and remember not to be hard on yourself if you don’t see immediate results. Getting fit takes a little time and patience. 

***Sheila Olson is a fitness trainer of five years, she created FitSheila.com to spread the word about her fitness philosophy***