How do I put all the pieces of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle together?
by Eileen Johnson, RN
I have given you many tools in the past couple months that can be used for building an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Now, how do you put them all together and incorporate all these new habits into a pattern that lasts a lifetime? I have often heard that it takes 4 weeks to develop a new habit, but my experience tells me it can take longer and often requires support to do so. Here are a few ideas if you are determined to make these tools support a lifetime of good health.
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Start by trying out one or two habits and practice them diligently until you feel they have become a comfortable part of your lifestyle. Trying to practice all the steps at once may leave you feeling overwhelmed and depressed. Achieving small steps, on the other hand, can give you a sense of accomplishment and give you the energy and motivation to keep going
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Find a friend or “buddy” to start these new habits. You can help each other to stay on task, think of ways to remove any barriers you may encounter, and have a lot more fun in the process
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Keep a journal. Write down habits you are working on and what you are trying to achieve, success and problems encountered, and the emotions that you feel. You can journal what you eat, stress relieving practices and exercise you carry out.
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Place reminders around your home or office space. Sticky notes like “don’t forget to do your breathing/relaxation this morning and before bed” can be placed strategically so that these habits become part of your daily routine.
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Make it easy to eat the right foods. Remove junk food from your home and fill the cupboards and refrigerator with the healthy foods and spices I have talked about in previous articles. Cut up/prepare fruits and vegetables so they are ready and easy to reach for and eat. Make healthy drinks and snacks available at all times.
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Plan for success. Write out a “menu” for health each week – Plan exercise, stress relief, and a healthy diet and write down the plan for each day a week ahead of time. (For those who can’t think that far ahead, just do a day or two should be fine!)
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Join a support group like First Line Therapy. Support groups provide continuous motivation, lots of new ideas, and they make the process so much more fun!
Good luck with all you do!
Eileen Johnson, RN on staff at Valley Natural Foods can be reached directly at ejohnson@valleynaturalfoods.com. She offers free 20-minute consultations. Ask her about the FirstLine Therapy program. Check her availability or schedule a visit by calling customer service at 952-891-1212, #221.
