Improved health and fitness, boost your mood, and feel great 24/7 – these are all benefits of an active lifestyle.
If your goal this year is to live a more active lifestyle, which, let’s face it, is a goal for many as we approach the new year, you’re going to need a plan of action.
Far too often, people begin their new adventure of being more active but fall short, giving up after a few weeks. So, what can you do differently to ensure you follow through with your ambition, allowing you to reap the benefits listed above?
This blog post will highlight three tips to help you live an active lifestyle, beginning with goal setting.
1. Goal setting
Trying to lead an active lifestyle without a plan of action and goals is a recipe for failure. Instead, you should set realistic goals to keep your motivation high and your ambition on track.
But how do you go about setting goals?
We recommend setting short-term and long-term goals. For example, your long-term goal can be to be lead a more active lifestyle this year. Alternatively, this goal could be to run a marathon, to bike a certain distance, or just to be proud of yourself for being more active.
Your short-term goals act as stepping stones to help you reach your long-term goals. For instance, a short-term goal could be to do some form of exercise every single day, to eat healthier, or meet up with a friend once a week for a hike around your local trails.
The more specific and realistic you are with your goals, the easier it is to remain on track.
2. Take it slow, to begin with
If you haven’t been active as of late, take it slow, to begin with. You don’t need to dive headfirst into the most difficult hike of your life. This is not the best approach to leading an active lifestyle!
Instead, focus on remaining consistent, whether that’s a brisk walk five times a week or attending your local spin class three times a week. Consistency beats the odd challenging session or single hike – remain consistent, and you’ll slowly begin to chip away at your goals.
3. To lead an active lifestyle, you need to take care of your body
Failure to take care of your body and mind when leading an active lifestyle is a prescription for disaster, burnout, and potentially even injury.
Ensure to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, stretch regularly, and find time to de-stress and take care of yourself. Your body will appreciate it!