Overcoming Setbacks.

You are going to fail.

I’m not calling you a failure or trying to be rude! At one time or another, you are going to fall off the proverbial healthy living horse.  It happens to me more often than I’d like to admit. However, I always get back on and keep going. Sometimes it seems impossible, but I promise it’s not!

Here is what I find helpful when it does:

• Take an honest look at your behavior, take responsibility and remember you are the only person who can keep YOU on track. You can do it! Healthy living is all about choices! YOU are in control, not food. When you mess up, it’s okay If you eat a junky breakfast, but that doesn’t mean you should throw the rest of the day away.  Don’t let bad choices snowball! Stop it when you realize it is happening.  Forgive yourself and move on.
• Asking for help. Sometimes if I am super stressed out it makes it harder to make good decisions about eating or to find the time to work out.  Talk out your problems with someone close to you. Getting out of your head and speaking your thoughts out loud can help you to organize your thoughts. Your friend or loved one might have some suggestions, and it can also help you to look at things from a different angle.
• Get moving!  Poor eating, being sedentary, stress… it all just seems to pile on and can be overwhelming.  Go for a walk! Sometimes just moving can help clear your mind and put things into perspective.  You’ll get some fresh air, endorphins and some exercise at the same time.
• Focus on one day.  Sometimes the thought of getting back on track with exercising and eating well for months, or even the rest of the week can be very overwhelming. Focus on just one day, and tell yourself you’ll think about tomorrow later.  Making that one healthy day your focus can make it easier to get back into the right mindset.

Setbacks can be disappointing, but it isn’t the end. These setbacks can be very useful!  They show you just how strong you are, and how you can come back even stronger than before.  You will find out what works for you, and what doesn’t, and how to keep your goals and expectations realistic.

Today is a new day and you can make the right choices starting now!

How do you deal with setbacks?

I hope you have a fantastic, healthy day!  And don’t forget to get out and VOTE!