How to build healthy habits you’ll actually follow 

People want to build healthy habits they’ll actually follow.

But it can be difficult to stay consistent. 

If it’s hard for you to maintain healthy habits, know that you’re not alone.

Because, well, that’s the point of it all.

Being consistent with what you do.

How do you build habits you’ll actually follow?

Pick something that you can do 

• Can you work out for 15 minutes a day?
• Or even 10 minutes?
• Will you be able to keep up a particular diet?

You need to pick something you can do. 

If people are hyping a workout video on YouTube. Can you actually follow it?

• Or do you just want to follow the crowd?

It’s good to be open to options and recommendations, but the best health habits are the ones you can stick to.

It’s not because you can’t “take a challenge”. 

But, there’s no point in trying to challenge yourself if you’ll only end up stopping before things even get far.

And then you start to feel bad about yourself. 

Pick something you can do. 

Walking is good. 

But you don’t have to start with 10k steps every day.

Choose a routine to get your steps in.

• One that you’ll actually follow. 

Focus on one habit 

Concentrate on building one habit instead of trying to build 5 at once.

You might end up,

• Getting stressed. 
• And overwhelmed 

For no reason. 

Start with one small, achievable habit, and work your way through. 

Be consistent, not intense

Consistency is what matters the most, not intensity.

Show up to your new habit every day, even for 5 minutes. 

The main thing is that you did it. 

If you got 5k steps yesterday, but got only 2k today, it’s still a win.

• You showed up. 

Make it fun 

To build healthy habits that you’ll actually follow is to have fun with it.

If you want to improve your fitness, you can add activities like 

Going to the pool to swim, where it won’t feel like you’re working out. 

Visit the mall and walk around. It can feel less like a “workout session” and more like leisure time.

Let your environment help you 

• Don’t put junk food at home if you want to start eating healthy.

• Have your water bottle next to you to stay hydrated.

• Hang your workout clothes where you can easily see them.

Sometimes it can be easier to stick to health habits when your environment plays a role too. 

Let your new habit flow into your daily routine

• Workout after drinking your morning coffee 
• Do calf raises while brushing 
• Squat when applying lip gloss 
• Do arm circles while watching TV
• Try to do sumo squats while waiting for the water in the kettle to boil 

It’s a way to keep things fresh in your mind. 

Track the whole thing 

Tracking your progress and seeing how far you’ve come can help you stay motivated. 

It can also help you figure out what needs to change or improve. 

Be patient 

It might take more time to build new habits. 

So, try to be patient. 

It’ll all work out eventually.