Diet? Exercise? Where on Earth do we start this new health journey. Depending on what we read, and where we read it, the answer is different. As I said before, I’m not a doctor, but the obvious to me would be to figure out where I’m currently at, and then decide where I want to be, and then set a plan. So, that’s what we are going to do. Where are we at today with our health? Let’s take a look.
Assessing Your Current Physical Health
Before we can set goals, we need to understand our starting point. This involves a honest assessment of your current physical health. For most of us we will need to spend a couple of weeks logging some of this information. Use this form to log fitness, nutrition and sleep to get a better answer to these questions.
- Energy levels: How do you feel on a daily basis? Are you consistently fatigued or do you have bursts of energy?
- Fitness levels: Can you comfortably engage in physical activities? Are there activities you used to enjoy but can no longer do?
- Nutrition: What does your typical diet look like? Are you consuming a balanced mix of nutrients?
- Sleep patterns: Are you getting enough restful sleep? Do you experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
- Chronic conditions: Do you manage any chronic health issues? How do they impact your daily life?
Defining Your Health Goals
Once you have a clear picture of your current physical health, it’s time to envision your ideal state. What does optimal health look like for you? Setting goals, both short term and long term, is important so we can envision and keep focus on where we want to be in the future.
- Short-term goals: These might include increasing your daily step count, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, or starting a gentle exercise routine.
- Long-term goals: Perhaps you aim to lose weight, build muscle, or train for a marathon.
Creating a Realistic Plan
Achieving your health goals requires a well-structured plan. Here are some key steps:
- Set SMART goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here a template to help you in the process. You can use it as a guide and record your answers in a journal. SMART GOALS
- Break it down: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. We are more likely to stick to our plan if we see success, even in small increments.
- Find support: Support is key to success. Not everyone will support you, so be sure to have those friends, family, or fitness buddies for encouragement when you need it.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal, or use a fitness app to monitor your achievements. Everyone is different, but the key is to find the system that works best for you to keep up with your progress.
- Celebrate milestones: Reward yourself for reaching your goals. Rewards don’t have to be big, they just have to be something you want. It can be as little as some new shoes or as big as a spa day….it’s up to you to decide.
Overcoming Challenges
It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter obstacles on your health journey. Be prepared to face setbacks and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Identify potential challenges: Take a minute and think what might be your challenges. Then, create a plan to address them.
- Build resilience: Develop coping mechanisms to handle stress and setbacks. It’s essential to learn new skills if you want to live differently.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals for help.
Remember, progress, not perfection, is the key. The 12 Month Journey is a step by step process, and every step you take towards better physical health is a victory. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your achievements along the way.
