Wellness Health Coach Advice On Behavioral Patterns Asks Where You Are On The Behavioral Change Spectrum

Wellness Health Coach Advice On Behavioral Patterns, Believe it or not, but psychological and emotional factors can play a huge role in the success or failure of your health, nutrition, and fitness goals.  Fears, habits, expectations, and struggles in your past can all contribute to behaviors and cycles that can be detrimental to your progress.  Your wellness health coach can counsel you so you can come to understand the causes and effects in the relationship between psychological and emotional issues and your health.

It’s important to know where you are with yourself, psychologically, within the five stages of the behavioral change spectrum.  Knowing where you fall in this range can show you exactly what steps you need to take in order to move to the next stage so you can be successful with your fitness goals.

First Stage:  Precontemplation – In this stage, you’re probably thinking that exercise and nutrition are not that important, and that changes in your life and routines aren’t necessary.  You’re not too willing to give up comfort or junk foods and starting a workout regimen seems like an interruption to your day.  Maybe you’re thinking about your health, but denial sits on your shoulder like a welcome friend and there are more important things going on, in your opinion.  If you’re in this stage, you’re probably not ready to start or be consistent with any changes or efforts regarding your health. Beginning an exercise or nutrition program would probably result in failure.  Consulting a wellness health coach or gaining more education about fitness, diseases, or other health-related topics could be useful in moving you into the next stage.

Second stage:  Contemplation – Ok, so now you’re thinking about your health and realizing that maybe you could stand to make a few changes.  You want to feel better about yourself and your body, but you’re not quite ready to join a gym or break a good sweat.  In this stage, you’re probably telling yourself that cutting down on some of that junk food, taking the occasional walk, or maybe even doing a few sit-ups could be beneficial.  If you’re in this stage and ready to move forward, try reading up on articles that explain the many healthy benefits of regular exercise and proper nutrition.

Third Stage:  Preparation – It’s getting serious.  You’ve made a nice, healthy grocery list and given some good thought to your eating habits.  Alternatively, maybe you’ve broken out your calendar and scheduled a few days for some exercise routines or physical activities.  Your health and fitness are topics that are now on your mind more than ever.  You’re prepared to start setting some goals.  This is a great time to start researching wellness health coaches, gyms, equipment, or looking into ways to improve your diet.

Fourth Stage:  Action – You’re ready to take action!  All it takes are some simple, baby steps to get you moving in the right direction.  Maybe you’ve started some daily stretching exercises or signed up for a martial arts or aerobics class.  Perhaps you’ve pulled out those barbells and are lifting weights a few times a week or you’ve reduced your trips to fast food restaurants or the local doughnut shop.  It’s important, in this stage, to take things a step at a time.  Things aren’t going to change overnight, and that’s okay.  Now is your opportunity to give yourself plenty of encouragement and to keep a mindful eye on past habits, emotions, or behaviors that could affect or even halt your progress.  Find ways to overcome these inner obstacles so you can keep successfully moving forward.

Fifth Stage:  Maintenance – You’ve made it and now you’re learning to sustain it!  In this final stage, you’re at a place where you’ve been working out regularly or managed your healthy dieting practices for awhile now.  You’ve become much more comfortable with these new, improved habits and changes in lifestyle.  While maintaining your routines, remember to always give yourself praise for your efforts and seek support from friends and family.  Also, don’t forget to switch it up.  Keep variety in your workouts so every part of your body is getting the exercise it needs. 

Build Your Own Website Wonight!