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One of the most important habits of longterm health is communication. Sharing your goals as part of accountability makes communication vital to your health.
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I’m back today with another habit of longterm health: communication. This habit is one of many that can place you on a path of longterm health and happiness. This year we’ve tackled a number of other habits, which you can learn more about here!
Habits of Longterm Health Review
As a refresher, habits are formed by following behaviors until they become almost voluntary. Radical changes aren’t made over night, but day by day. As you continue to practice these habits, they become more natural — more voluntary — until they require no practice at all.
Communication
Ahhh… Communication. If you ask me, communication has become almost a four-letter-word. When working toward a healthy lifestyle, there’s an understanding of “just do it” and no one really talks about how HARD it can be. Then, once you’ve reached “health” (which is both a moving target and a standard you set for yourself), no one talks about hard it can be to STAY there! We spend a lot of time in our own heads because most of the time, this journey is about us. Why would we talk about it with others? We assume everyone is too concerned with what’s going on in their own world to be able to offer anything to us.
Related: Habits of Longterm Health: Giving Grace to Yourself
But talking about it is just what will keep us moving forward when the journey gets difficult.
When it comes to communication about your health journey, don’t be ashamed to share your goals, successes, and struggles with your significant other, a friend, or an accountability partner. That person can be a sounding board for you on the hard days and celebrate with you on your wins.
I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am in my journey if it weren’t for my mom. When I first set out to change my life, I didn’t know what I was doing, but she wouldn’t let me quit. Whether that was bouncing recipe ideas off each other, or calling each other to make sure we got a workout in, we were each other’s accountability partners. And we still are! My mom is still the first person I reach out to when I’m struggling, in a funk, or just want to talk about nutrition and fitness.
Boundaries
Boundaries may seem like the opposite of communication, but they’re just another component. Now and then, it’s easy to fall into old habits when spending time with people in your life who may not be on a similar journey. That’s where communication and boundaries come in. Heading out for dinner with friends and feeling the pressure to drink a cocktail or two (or three)? Clearly communicating your goals and boundaries in advance can help alleviate some of that pressure. If your goal for the evening is NOT to lose complete control, but just to enjoy yourself and loosen up a bit, friends will understand and respect that. The same goes for family members at holidays and special events! When it comes down to it, communication and boundaries are respectful for those around you, but will always keep your best interest in mind to help you reach your goals.
Related: September Intentions
Struggling to find someone to support you on your journey? Hop on Instagram! The fitness community on Insta is amazing and features people at all parts of various journeys ready to give you a virtual high five. I’m here for you too! If you’re needing some extra support or accountability, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Send me an email, a message on Instagram, whatever! Don’t be afraid to communicate when it comes to your health journey. That, in fact, is what will keep you on the path more than anything else!
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Topics in the Habits of Longterm Health Series:
- Take Charge of You
- Make a Plan & Trust in It
- SMART Goal Setting
- Prioritizing
- Improvement Over Competition
- Growth Mindset
- Giving Grace to Yourself
- Communication
- Giving Grace to Others
- Synergistic Training
- Striking the Balance
- Living Your Life
I’m linking up with Annmarie and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday!
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So true about how hard it is to get into shape and then stay in shape!
I try to be very careful about how I communicate my workouts on social media. I never want it to look “easy”.
OK, this is the 3rd or 4th post I have read recently describing the benefits of Instagram. I am going to have to get on there! thanks for the push.