Do you ever look at yourself and ask when did your health change? Or think, where did all your energy and zest for life go? Making health and wellness changes can be hard. And sometimes it’s easier to just ignore the signs of declining health and just go with status quo. That’s health sabotage.

Your health should be the most important thing in your life. But why are there so many reasons to focus on it later? Health sabotage is an inner voice rationalizing why you can’t take better care of yourself or why you should have that 2^nd glass of wine. Many people say family, work, socializing, and relaxing are their prioritizes. Which is understandable. However, health and exercise fall somewhere at the bottom of that same list. This begs the question, how do you enjoy your family, work, socializing, and relaxation without your health? 

Making your health your number one priority does not take away from family and other social connections. Matter of fact it can add to the time you spend at home, work, and at play. Implementing a healthy lifestyle can be inclusive. Teaching your children how to live well and incorporating health habits in all aspects of your life can become second nature. Deciding to eat healthy by limiting animal by-products, taking the stairs instead of the escalator, and letting toxic things and people go is a daily decision.

Reasons you might be standing in your own way:

• Afraid of success: If you do look and feel a million bucks, your finances are in order, and you have set boundaries. Then what? The fear is not being able to have an excuse why things are not working out for you. I am here to tell you its okay to be afraid to make changes. Just take it one step at a time as you face your reality vs. your perception.
• Future you: Have you ever made plans to make changes on Monday, after the holidays, when I turn 35…? Those time markers come around faster than you expected and then you move the post mark again. The best course of action is to make moves when you recognize your lifestyle is not working for you… NOW.
• Low confidence: Maybe you have never put focus on your health or wellness choices. So you might be afraid to make the wrong choice or see food as good/bad options. The fear of the unknown can be scary and stunt decisive action. I suggest making small changes and they will compound to positive improvements in your life.
• Emotional Eater: THIS IS ME. I eat when I’m happy, when I’m sad, bored, excited, lonely, surrounded with people… Close to a third of adults eat at high levels of stress. Keeping emotional eating at bay can be a struggle. Ways to avoid consuming unwanted calories is to keep healthy snack alternatives, like fruit and popcorn, or go for a walk.
• Stuck in your ways: Two words, OLD HABITS. Some people can’t image switching from a Standard American Diet to plant-based, going for a charity run/walk over the weekend instead of brunch with mimosas, or the family going out for a walk instead of sitting on the couch media strolling. Take time to reassess why are you stuck in your ways. Is it pressure from your circle? Are those habits serving you well? What’s an easy change?

Say yes to a happy and health you. Say bye to health sabotage.