The Benefits Of Helpful Habits In Our Lives

-by Shannon Collins

We all have certain habits that seem to continually stand in the way of our success. Instead of always thinking about what we shouldn’t be doing, let’s focus on creating some new, helpful habits!

Ask for Help

As people we were created to build and crave relationships with others. We were never meant to do this life alone. It isn’t always easy to ask for help. You may feel like you are imposing on others or those close to you aren’t supporting your goals. Ongoing support from friends, family and others can be critical to maintaining your success. So what can you do? Build a trusted support network of people that will encourage you in achieving your goals. Practice asking for help from those around you, so that you get more comfortable doing it. Keep at it! Creating and utilizing your support network is a valuable habit that can truly impact your success!

Goal Setting

Having goals in mind and plans for achieving them is another great habit. Make sure your goals are positive, specific, realistic, and a good fit for your life. They need to be ACHIEVABLE. You also should create plans or mini-goals to help you achieve your ultimate goal. Find some non-food rewards along the way to help you stay motivated.

Makeover your Environment

Your surroundings can easily help us or hurt us when it comes to being healthy. Check out your environments… Are you surrounded by temptations? Remove the temptations! Replace the problem foods with healthier options. Keep activities or non-food related items on hand so that you can stay busy instead of eating.

Positive Thinking

Our thoughts determine our actions. If you think you can’t, then guess what? YOU CAN’T. If you start changing the way you think about your health, then your actions and behaviors will follow.  Replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and build you up.  Squeeze out the negativity in your life!

Hold yourself Accountable

Do you know how much you are actually eating each day? Figuring out what you are doing is the first step. Then decide where you want to be. THEN KEEP TRACK! Pay attention and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Accountability can be done by a friend, support group, journal, calorie or program tracking. The key is to pay attention and KNOW what you want and what you are actually doing.

Make yourself a Priority

In order to be your best self, you have to take care of YOU first. Schedule time for you- planning your meals, activity, and whatever else it takes for you to succeed. Take time for what you love! Balance is key! Give the best of yourself to others and the only way to do that is to make you a priority.

Manage your Feelings

Learn the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger. Watch your physical hunger signals and identify when you are actually hungry. Journaling and accountability can help you identify when you may be eating for reasons other than physical hunger. Try to figure out other things you can do instead of eating when you are eating for an emotional reason.


Got questions?  Email Shannon here!