How to change our habits to be healthier…for REAL!

Changing habits can feel insurmountable at times, especially when it comes to adopting healthier behaviors.

Research in the field of psychology and behavioral science sheds light on WHY habit modification is sooo complex. We now know that behavior change is HIGHLY individualized! Studies have shown that personality traits and stress tolerance levels vary among individuals, and these strongly influence our ability to make lasting changes in behavior. This variability highlights the importance of a personalized approach for us to develop healthier habits!

The allure of immediate rewards often competes with the long-term benefits associated with healthier behaviors, making it harder for us to stay committed to our goals. Thankfully, there’s hope! Research has also identified some top consistent effective strategies that cater to individual needs and motivations. I want to share two of those strategies with you that I think are often missed.

Number 1: Identify the intrinsic reason behind the change you want to make!
It is important that this goes beyond superficial goals like weight loss or physical appearance. By connecting with deeper motivations, such as fostering relationships with loved ones or pursuing personal growth, we will cultivate a stronger sense of purpose that sustains efforts over time.

Number 2. Get support and have strategies when your stressors are high and stress tolerance is low. Having someone to encourage us when we are struggling and utilizing coping strategies during periods of high stress can enhance resilience and facilitate habit formation. We need these external support systems because elevated stress directly effects our decision-making, often causing us to make poor health decisions.

By incorporating these evidence-based strategies into daily practice and staying mindful of personal motivations and stressors, we will see a shift in how our behaviors start to change!

I hope you take these next 5 minutes time to identify your WHY, your accountability person, and a strategy you can use when you are tapped out. Write these down. Look at them every day. And watch your behaviors change more easily!