In a world where constant changing is an ongoing trend, it’s surprising and even contradictory how a person can feel as a complete outcast in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Why is it so hard not to feel overwhelmed and burdened by making healthier decisions and changes that follow? Unfortunately, the answer lies in the fact that very often we are left to deal with the tiring challenges on our own. Being different and sticking out is not easy, but there are ways to overcome these initial struggles and reach those healthy goals despite the lack of external support. Here are some of the ways in which you can conquer loneliness in your lifestyle improvement journey.
STICKING TO HEALTHY EATING HABITS
It’s hard being single-minded when you are constantly put to the test in different social situations and gatherings. It’s so easy to slip through with an excuse that a healthy diet is interfering with your social life, or that it’s just impossible to enjoy life fully and at the same time stick to some rigorous eating rules. The process doesn’t have to be so rigorous. In fact, it should be enjoying and motivating. Instead of looking at your eating plan as a “diet” or a “special eating program”, but more as a lifestyle choice, the feeling of restricting and controlling yourself will lessen in time. Moreover, good organization is a key to success when it comes to proper eating. Try keeping healthy snacks at hand, prepare food beforehand and create an eating schedule for the day. In that way there will be less chance of being tempted in various situations during the day.
Finally, treat yourself from time to time. Adapting a new lifestyle for a long run is a slippery road and no one should expect themselves to have perfect results all the time. Giving yourself some slack is a good and wise method to avoid major breakdown, and at the same time achieve the feeling of being awarded for good work.
EXERCIZING AS A WAY OF BONDING
Probably the hugest endeavor in the process of becoming healthy is adapting to proper exercising. It requires not only time, but true dedication and motivation, so it’s much easier if you have some support from your friends and family. If that is not the case, exercising can be a great way to meet new people and make some new friends, or a training buddy. Jogging, for example, is a perfect way to get a sufficient amount of exercise you need, get out and experience nature’s tranquility or meet your neighborhood better, as well as make new friendships. Running with someone or in a group increases a sense of acceptance and belonging to a community.
Moreover, there are support groups and forums where runners share their struggles, motivation, advice and much more, which can be very helpful and useful. There are also numerous websites such as Jogging Addiction and others, which are a great source of information about proper running equipment, running methods and other things important when becoming a runner. It is also crucial not to overdo it at the beginning, take it slow, step by step, in order to avoid a sudden burnout. Another common mistake is expecting results right away, which is a path straight to failure. Change happens slowly, so always keep in mind that dedication and perseverance will eventually lead you to achieving your goals.
NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND HOW TO KEEP ON THE TRACK
When we talk about lack of support, it usually comes in the form of well-meaning people whose choices and actions very much make it difficult for you to stay on the right path. Weather you get scorned for rejecting that drink after work, or you have to deal with eye-rolling when you say you get up at 6 a.m. and go for a run, the lack of understanding is the same. One way to deal with these people is to turn the situation around and make it into a positive experience. Instead of feeling discouraged or like you are missing out on something, it’s much better to use the negative comments and channel them into making positive changes.
Also, it’s important to be open about your goals, to inform and educate others about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and try to include them into the process. You’ll be surprised how little people actually know about what being healthy actually means and maybe it is the reason they are not doing it themselves. However, helping and informing is sometimes futile effort if a person is not willing to learn, or at least accept your attempts. In that case it is vital to understand that it is hard changing other people’s minds and that it isn’t your job to keep trying. Focusing on your success and being aware that a healthy lifestyle is inevitably necessary for true happiness should be of primary importance.
All in all, what’s worth keeping in mind is that adopting a healthy way of living is not a one-time goal, but a lifelong one. That’s why finding a way to deal with the lack of support is essential for making that first step and truly enjoying the benefits of being healthy and eventually helping others become the same.