Spring into action!

In previous articles I have written about the importance of physical activity, good simple foods and the value of being connected to family, friends and community to improve your health and wellbeing.
The winter months are often where we convince ourselves it is too cold and dark to take that walk. So we slacken off on our commitment to be energetic. We more readily rely on food to bring feelings of warmth, comfort and wellbeing. We more easily isolate ourselves from friends and social engagements in winter.
How do we motivate ourselves into action, take advantage of the warming weather and spring into action for summer? Peel back those unwanted habits and lethargy? Live with energy and vitality?
Often we want to change our patterns of behaviour but do not know where to start; so we sit in the clutter of self-talk. At times it can feel like we are three people in one body: the positive one wanting change, the negative one wanting the security of the current routine and the umpire trying to figure it out. In the meantime, we do nothing.
Now is the perfect time to start! An eight- to ten-week plan of action will certainly be an opportunity to feel fit and fabulous.
If you have dreams and desires for change, write them down and tell your friends and family. Research has shown that people who enlist family and friends to support them are more successful in making positive long-term changes to their lives.
Define your dreams in clear, achievable goals. Write down the benefits you will receive from the desired self-change. Next, conceive a step-by-step plan of action. You could compose a script, such as engaging a friend or family to join you in a gym or fitness class – it is often easier to commit with a buddy. Plan a healthy food menu for the week or get up early to start the day with a meditation or walk. Set a starting date and the times and places that the new practices will occur. This helps imprint into the psyche that change is happening.
Remind yourself from time to time of your dreams. Visualise yourself fitter, healthier and happier. Use your mind’s eye to see the new you. You might see yourself on the beach this summer, playing cricket with family or friends and feeling confident in your trimmer, healthier self.