Do you want to make healthy changes this year? You are your habits, so your success is based on changing habits.
We are creatures of habit, and one reason is because our brains are efficient.
When doing routine tasks your brain doesn’t have to analyze every small step. It is estimated that out of every 11,000 signals we receive from our senses, our brain only consciously processes 40. Ever been driving someplace and you inadvertently started driving to work? Habit!
Another reason habits are so powerful is things that reinforce happiness (ice cream, chocolate, alcohol or drugs, exercise, meditation, etc.) reward the brain with a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine makes the brain want that reward again and again – when it gets the right cue from the environment. Our brains retain a wonderful memory of habit context. Even when old habits are seemingly extinguished, they can quickly re-emerge when environmental triggers press the old habit buttons.
So how to change those “bad” habits and reinforce new healthy ones? Here are a few tips?
1. Go off autopilot. Habits are unconscious so you need to become conscious of your behavior.
2. Visualize yourself doing your new habit. Write down your goal in positive terms. It’s better to say, “I will walk 30 minutes a day, three times a week, than, “I won’t be as sedentary.”
3. Make a plan. The plan should include your reasons for changing and obstacles that will create challenges.
4. Reward the new habits with something you really desire, such as socializing, laughing, buying a new book, etc.
5. Be aware of self talk. It can either de-rail or promote positive changes.
6. Experts say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. So consistently repeat your new behavior at least three weeks.
7. Plan a support system. Who are friends and buddies who may be interested in joining you in your new healthy changes?
8. Get plenty of rest. Being tired leaves you vulnerable to relapse. And don’t forget to reward yourself! Do something special. Get that dopamine in your brain flowing from happiness!
When you commit to changing your habits to healthy ones, you commit to a healthy lifestyle!
For more information on MBK Senior Living’s “Be Your Best Wellness Program” or information on senior living options, please contact Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa. Our phone number is 661-254-9933.