In your health journey, it’s not always easy to keep yourself motivated. You may have a hard time getting out the house to walk down the same street, in the same neighborhood, with the same dog that barks at you when you pass it. We totally get it! To keep things from being repetitive and boring, you can switch things up a bit. Instead of tackling things alone, develop your own support group.
A support group can consist of a group of friends, family, and medical professionals to help keep you accountable and closer to your health goals.
Take a moment to think of the people in your life. Try to identify those who are positive, who have similar health goals, who enjoy or long for healthy lifestyles, or who may specialize in healthy activities you don’t. If any strong candidates come to mind, ask them to join you in your fitness journey. Ask them to occasionally check in on you, share knowledge, or walk alongside you. Also take time to add to your virtual support group. For this you can follow inspiring social media accounts and YouTube channels. These accounts should help spread positivity in your daily feed.
One of the main benefits of support groups is accountability. You may need someone to remind you of your goals or to intervene if you slip back into old habits. You may also benefit from a workout buddy to help you commit to workout routines. If a friend waits for you at the gym, it may motivate you to keep your word and meet them. In addition, the Society of Behavioral Medicine conducted a study and found that when people worked out with someone else or in a team setting, their workout time doubled in comparison to people who worked out alone. [1] Keep in mind that you can also save money. Many fitness centers offer referral programs where you get money back in your pocket. Many fitness studios also have discounted rates for semi-private sessions in activities like swimming or Pilates.
Once you develop your support group, try creating a group text or Facebook page. Report progress and celebrate achievements. Get creative and find activities that get you excited to try with your group. This could include fitness classes, dance lessons, or going to a nearby track or basketball court. On the nutritional side, you can take field trips to the grocery store, or evenings to swap and try healthy recipes. As a bonus you can even check out our Nutrition and Diet program right here at HealthNet, and schedule a free appointment!
Overall, this should be a fun and rewarding process. The support we give another can make a huge the difference in our emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-you-should-work-out-crowd-ncna798936
Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern
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