Achieving a lifestyle that helps you maintain your health is a goal most people have. It’s easier said than done and it takes some determination to have your goals realized. Your own specific wellness goals will differ from others, but the steps to reach those goals can be similar. From tips on setting realistic goals to considering whether to add a protein powder to your diet, read on to learn some of the best methods to reaching your wellness goals.
Set Realistic Goals (And Write It Down)
One of the main reasons most people fall off on their wellness goals is because they set their expectations too high. While vowing to give up red meat cold turkey or working out every single day seem like logical steps in your journey, they might not be achievable. You’ll find yourself not sticking to your goal and it leaves you feeling discouraged, causing you to slide back into old habits.
Instead, start small. Reduce your intake of red meat to once or twice per week. If your current workout schedule is three times a week, up it to four. When you set smaller goals, you’re more likely to achieve them and from there, you can increase your goals more realistically.
A great method for goal setting is writing them down. Having a physical sense of your goals solidifies them and can make you feel more connected to them. Plus, when you write out your goals and can cross them off as your complete them, that adds a whole new layer of success to what you’ve accomplished.
Prioritize Sleep
When talking about wellness goals, two major topics are often considered: diet and exercise. But there is one activity that is actually the most crucial: sleep. Without proper rest, your body cannot function to its fullest ability. Sleep deprivation leaves you with low energy and interferes with your body’s appetite, which can cause you to get off track with your diet.
Each night, you should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Your sleep schedule should be prioritized above everything else so you can maximize the effectiveness of every other wellness goal you’re working towards.
Setup A Diet You Can Stick To
Setting up a diet has a similar concept when setting goals: you have to be realistic. Cutting out a ton of food from your diet seems like the way to go, but it can feel too abrupt. Start small and make switches here and there, like changing out any red meat with fish or swapping sweet snacks with fruit. When you try to do too much too soon, you will have difficulty sticking with your new plan.
When considering your diet, you also want to ensure you’re fueling your body with the necessary nutrition to aid in more effective workouts. One essential nutrient you need is protein. You can find proteins in meats, vegetables, and other foods, but your body may not be getting enough. Or, you’re on a diet that doesn’t supply enough protein, like a plant-based diet. Consider using a protein powder in your diet to fuel your body.
Stay Hydrated
You’ve heard this over and over again, but that’s because it is essential: you need to keep your body hydrated to maintain wellness. Keeping your body balanced and maintained requires hydration. You’re not alone if you struggle with getting your intake of water. Similar to many other steps in your wellness journey, take steps slowly to build up your water intake.
Hydration doesn’t just come in the form of water, though. There are plenty of other ways you can also keep your body hydrated. Foods like salads and fruits (like melons and grapes) provide hydration. Mix your protein powder in water for double the benefits. Infuse your water with lemon, cucumber, or berries for healthy flavors.
Mix Up Your Workout Routines
It’s easy to get into a groove with your workout routine. You get accustomed to certain exercises and you enjoy them so you stick with them. While it’s definitely recommended that you find routines that work and are enjoyable for you, there are some risks involved when it comes to your goals. You could plateau or find yourself bored and burned out.
To truly achieve your goals and maintain a well-rounded workout routine, change things up. Mix up the cardio with an outdoor run, elliptical sessions, or a workout class. Opt for free weights one month and switch over to weight machines the next. Be open to trying something new for the sake of your fitness goals. If it’s not your thing, no worries. It’s always worth it at least give it a try.
Conclusion
As you work to achieve your wellness goals, give yourself grace. Some of your strategies will work and some won’t. Be flexible about the steps you take to reach your goals and know that as long as you are realistic and stick with it, you can accomplish anything.
