Proven ways to help you and your partner get back on track
Here’s how together, you can get back on track.
1. Be a leader
It’s time to step up and lead by example, according to a new study participants are more likely to make healthy changes if their partner does too. Researchers found that when one partner made a healthy change like quitting smoking, losing weight or exercising more, their partner was more likely to make the same change.
2. Change your vocab
No one likes a bossy boot, and in this case, in particular, it’s important to be supportive of your significant other. Making change overnight doesn’t always happen so avoid judgement when they face setbacks or slip-ups and be a supportive partner rather than an expert or coach.
3. Make it enjoyable
Rather than setting an early 5 am alarm when neither of you is a morning person, make these healthy changes an experience you will both enjoy. It could be as simple as switching your weekly dinner date for cooking a new healthy recipe or switching a movie to an outdoor hike. Being healthy doesn’t have to be a chore, make it work for both of you.
4. Rewards
A great way to hold one another accountable is to set a number of small goals, Harvard University recommends making them achievable targets. They could be as simple as going to the gym four times a week or running a PB. Celebrate one another's wins and enjoy the journey.
5. Slow and steady
When you’re starting a new regimen make permanent changes that will go the distance. Life First dietitian, Nicole Akdagcik, suggests that you focus on one thing at a time, “keep each change small and simple.” Otherwise, “if you make too many changes at once, you are less likely to succeed, become disappointed and then feel less empowered to move forward with your healthy habits.”
Sources:
http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2091401
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/7-ways-to-jumpstart-healthy-change-in-your-life
Back to posts
