Healthy lifestyle routines lower the risk of various health conditions, diseases, and all-cause mortality (National Library of Medicine1). However, it is challenging to create healthy habits that last. It might feel frustrating when you don’t see results immediately or have difficulty navigating a busy schedule. Too often, we give up before healthy habits become part of our lifestyle. The good news is that creating lasting healthy habits isn’t impossible. Follow the tips below to build personalized healthy routines by forming healthy habits that endure despite our ever-changing schedules and lives.

Keep Your Goals SMART

Creating a habit can be challenging if you don’t have a specific plan or direction that you are aiming for. Often, we set broad goals and then feel defeated when we don’t see progress. Setting SMART goals can set you up for better success.

S – Specific. The more specific you make your goal, the more likely you are to accomplish it because you

know precisely what you are working towards.

M – Measurable. Goals should be measurable to assess your success or make adaptations.

A – Achievable. Be realistic with your goal setting. Consider your current priorities, schedule,

environment, and needs.

R – Relevant. Keep your goals relevant by aligning them with personal priorities and values. Motivation is

tough to find if you do not feel connected to the goal.

T – Timely. Set a start date for your goal, and then choose check-in dates. Assess your progress or

struggles and adjust as necessary.

Find a Spot in Your Routine

Fitting one more habit into an already packed schedule can feel impossible. Instead, find spaces that already exist in your routine. Stack your habits by fitting in a short walk while your kids are at practice or taking a meal-planned grocery list on your weekly trip. Linking a new habit with an existing one can make it easier to keep up with.

Choose Your Accountability

Motivation tends to come and go, but accountability can help you persevere through the ups and downs. Think about the type of accountability that resonates with you the most. Maybe you enjoy tracking data or metrics. Or you find satisfaction in crossing something off your to-do list. Others might gain accountability from a friend or family member. Whether your accountability is social or personal, choose something that will keep you honest and help you stay the course.

Practice Consistency and Reflect Often

We do not establish habits by being perfect. Instead, we make lasting habits by consistently adapting our goals and efforts to fit our current needs. Life happens, and we may find that the approach that worked in the past no longer suits us. By intentionally reflecting on progress, we can celebrate our accomplishments and account for any necessary readjustments. Reflection allows us to see how far we have come and gives us space to change our approach when life throws challenges our way. Striving for consistency over perfection will keep our habits realistic and attainable over time.

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