5 Things That Hamper a Healthier Lifestyle
For those who have been struggling for years on end to lose weight or get fit, we feel for you.
Yo-yo dieting and going back-and-forth when it comes to healthy habits is common for the vast majority of us. Unfortunately, when falling off the wagon becomes the norm, it is only natural to want to give up once and for all.
Reality check: If you just can’t seem to commit to a healthier lifestyle, you need to look for an underlying cause. And bear in mind that your problem is probably about more than the fork and knife or finding the “right” workout routine.
Zeroing in on the root cause of why you can’t commit to fitness may very well represent a serious wake-up call in your life. That said, it may very well be the only way to take control of your health. Consider the following five problems that could be holding you back that you don’t realize are plaguing you.
Drinking habits
It is no secret that excessive alcohol consumption impedes weight loss and muscle growth, while contributing to feelings of sluggishness and apathy.
However, some fail to consider just how much their consumption takes a toll on their bodies. For those nearing the point of addiction or abuse, it is nearly impossible to see positive returns from physical activity or healthy eating if the bulk your calories comes from alcohol.
If you are serious about your health, perhaps it is time to take a step back and realize what your potential life could look like without alcohol. As suggested by the Northeast Addiction Treatment Center, “make it a habit of visualizing yourself happy, healthy and better than you are now.”
Personal relationships
Whether it is your partner, family or spouse, the reality remains that sometimes the needs of others inadvertently become prioritized over our own.
Maybe your spouse doesn’t “get” why you are so obsessed with meal prep. Perhaps your coworkers are giving you a hard time because you have been turning away donuts in the break room.
In some cases you may need to put your foot down in regard to why you want to change. That is not to say that the people in your life are going out of their way to sabotage your lifestyle, but ask yourself: What are they doing to support it? When in doubt, speak up.
Job stress
Stress and physical health go hand in hand. If you are constantly being run down at work, it should come as no surprise why you are struggling to keep up any sort of healthy habit. Sure, work is work at the end of the day, but ideally your career should support a fit lifestyle rather than totally hinder it.
Determining the “right” time to quit a job boils down to your personal situation. That said, it is worth considering whether or not your current career path is conducive to your fitness goals based on how stressed out you are now.
Responsibilities at home
Although having kids is obviously takes away a bulk of your “me” time, the idea that it is impossible to get fit while raising children is ridiculous.
However, if you find yourself taking on the majority of day-to-day tasks at home without any help, the challenge of finding time for fitness is a daunting one.
Communication with your partner and family at large is key to ensuring that you are getting the time you need to focus on your health. If your partner isn’t picking up the slack and your kids are likewise out of line, it is time to address the issue head-on.
Personal priorities
Finally, the fact that you haven’t committed to healthy living despite years of trying might boil down to your personal priorities. In short, making time for exercise might very well mean making some sacrifices.
If you are used to vegging out and watching Netflix after work or doing absolutely nothing on the weekends, that is going to have to change. You can find the time. Even if it is just 20 minutes a day, a little bit of activity adds up in a big way.
The fact of the matter is that you have to prioritize fitness over the sort of day-to-day activities that you don’t even realize eat up your time. Scrolling through your Facebook feed in the morning. Stopping at Starbucks. The list goes on and on. By eliminating these tasks that contribute nothing to your fitness will ultimately allow you to carve out the time you need to get fit.
Acknowledging these shortcomings isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather the first step toward putting yourself on a path toward fitness. No matter what might be holding you back, be willing to confront it and seek support wherever necessary for the sake of reaching your goals.
Article by Susan Melony
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.