I can’t believe it. I’m doing it again. I’m neglecting my health, even after battling and beating breast cancer. This summer I’ve been staying up too late, eating too many fatty foods, avoiding workouts and not drinking enough water.
Six months ago, after finishing a grueling year of surgeries, chemo and radiation I made a serious promise to make my health a number one priority. And I meant it. I became vigilant about daily walks, weight training at the gym, maintaining a low sugar/low fat diet, and doing something new to challenge my brain and feed my soul. I started taking guitar lessons and learned that I might have actually discovered a new talent. I was on a roll.
But slowly, that precious time I carved out for myself started to disappear. To be more honest, I simply allowed it to slip away. I got back into the old habit of putting everyone else’s needs before my own. There was that back burner again. I know that I can’t truly help others until I help myself. Why is it so hard sometimes to make that adage stick?
Habits, good or bad help shape who we are. The key is controlling them. Even a small change can create big benefits.
Self Improvement Guru, Scott Young says only focus on changing one habit at a time. Trying to change more than a few at a time can be reckless. If you want to exercise more, set aside 30 minutes everyday. Make that one small shift and stick with it.
Next, you have to be consistent. Young says you have to repeat your new healthy habit everyday for 30 days. That’s how long it takes your brain to adapt.
Another tip: Write it down. Don’t leave commitments in your brain. Writing them on paper will keep your focus clear and will make it harder to dismiss when you see it printed in front of you.
Also, keep it simple. Your new habit should only involve one or two rules, not a dozen. Exercising once a day for at least thirty minutes is easier to follow than exercising Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays with yoga the first day and mountain biking the third day, except when it is raining in which case you wil do… yada yada yada. Simple rules create habits. Complex rules create headaches.
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip into the old groove. Take a deep breath, bring your awareness back to your new goal of good health and get back on track as soon as possible.
The cancer journey is profound and powerful. I thought it was enough to shock me into a healthier lifestyle. Truth is, I have to make the choice… EVERYDAY. I have to do the work. I have to change my habits… one habit at a time.
