5 tips towards living a healthier lifestyle

The start of a new year can feel like a clean slate, and at the same time, incredibly overwhelming. Don’t let January run you over with overwhelming pressure to make drastic changes right away. If you’re someone who’s finding it hard to get started, know that you’re not alone. Some people get a surge of motivation on January 1 and go all-in with their Whole30, Dry January, and intense workout plan, and others need to take their time. And believe it or not, most of the time, taking your time is more beneficial for maintenance in the long run.

So take a deep breath. Set small goals and simple to-do lists that lead to a bigger focus for the year as a whole. Let the changes be gradual — not too big, and not too small. There is absolutely no rush when it comes to self-improvement, only consistent dedication, over time.

So instead of hitting it super hard all January only to burn out come March 2nd, I’ve got a few thoughts on how to step into the new year, in a way that sets you up for success, long-term. Whether you’re already in your groove and crushing your goals or just putting pen to paper, apply these 5 tips to help ease you in towards being a healthier you, every single day.

START SMALL

Choose one or two small changes at a time to help set yourself up for success like drinking a full glass of water every morning before anything else, choosing one movement you enjoy and doing that for at least 20 minutes a few times a week, getting 6-8 hours of sleep every night, drinking one less serving of alcohol per week, ensuring you get protein in at every single meal, cooking one more dinner at home and bringing leftovers for lunch. Reminder: choose one or two at a time only.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE / NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE BASICS

Choose basic workouts focusing on basic movements like mastering a squat, hinge, push, and pull or hire a trainer to help you create a program designed for your body; eat healthy-ish 85% of the time; visually balance your plate for nutrition vs counting macros and calories; choose simple and achievable habits that you can maintain and build upon over time. Again, one or two at a time only. Make one a habit and then add on.

3. PLAN FOR THINGS TO GO WRONG

Remind yourself that you are human and you are fallible and you do not have to do everything perfectly. Think gradual and continuous improvement through the normal, busy, messy, chaotic, and complicated ‘real life’ that happens to us all.

4. COMMIT TO DOING THE BEST YOU CAN IN EACH SITUATION

No healthy options at your work lunch? — attempt to balance as best you can with a protein, fat, carb, and veg. No time for your workout because your meeting ran late? — take 10 minutes to just move your body, stretch, etc and plan to get up early the next day and tackle your workout first thing.

5. BE CONSISTENT, CHECK IN, AND JUST SHOW UP

Remember, this is purely for you and your life. And REMIND YOURSELF it’s OKAY to be exactly where you’re at right now, in this very moment. Take it one day and one step at a time.

BONUS TIP: JUST BREATHE.

Everything is going to be just fine.

LET’S CHAT:

I’m curious: what’s one thing you need help with? What’s your biggest obstacle in living a healthier lifestyle? I’m refining content for you and want to know how I can best support you. Feel free to message me if commenting here is'n’t for you.

Kirsten

I have so many things I want to share with you today!

I just returned to Seattle from a much anticipated and much delayed trip back down to Venice and all I have to say is, "THANK YOU, VENICE!" You never disappoint.

But, really, that's not alllll I have to say. You, and by 'you' I mean, your geography, your beauty, your people, your air, your inspiration, your motivation, your yoga, your streets, your juice, your food, oh gosh, your foooood...I've missed you. You are my people. You are my community.

I have always felt that community and support are incredibly important and a huge priority in my own life, but I didn't truly realize how important they really were to me and how important they are for YOU until my recent (well, not so recent anymore) move.

While transitioning from the little gem of Venice, CA, where I spent 10 years building a life and a community, to my slowly-but-surely growing community in Seattle, WA, I've paid extra-close attention to the goodness that community brings me and how it lights me up and fuels a fire within me.

This week in Venice was full of the things that make me feel special, important, and sparked my drive for continuing on my path in this world. We all need to feel that from time to time. It was the little things that I experienced that brought me to grin from ear to ear and tempted me to squeeze every soul I met with. Bumping into familiar faces on the streets and stopping for a good conversation, walking up to the counter at my favorite coffee shop to have my drink already made just the way I like it waiting for me, receiving huge smiles from the servers at my local watering hole as I stroll in like I never left the place, getting waves from strangers as I sat on a stoop drinking my juice, simply because they are happy and the sun is shining, making new connections with people that are honest and good and true, talking growth and life and modern love with new friends and old friends, the warm feeling of practicing with my teachers again and seeing their expression of joy and happiness to have me back, and of course, catching up with dear close friends and getting squeezed so tightly that I didn't ever want them to let go. My heart left full and ready for more and ready to give more.

And it was my reminder that a good community and a good support system are beyond beneficial in helping you achieve your goals in life, to lift you up and to cheer you on, whether that is in your personal life, work life or the balance of happiness. You need those people, always.

Just like I shared in Number 6 of the '10 Lifestyle Changes for Lasting Health', "Surround yourself with people who boost you up and believe in you. Plain and simple. Your friends and family should want the best for you and to see you happy. Seek out workout partners with similar goals, someone you can share your journey with and someone to hold you accountable."

It's so simple. And it's so true. Thank you, Venice. I'll be back.

Stepping into the New Year, A New Way