Action Conditioning

HABITS

Yes we all get into habits, some good, some really bad and some automatic.

The good habits can feel like you have a grip on life and everything is going great!

The automatic mind habits, like putting on the same pant leg, washing your hair the same way and driving to work the same route all the time. Your automatic mind takes over because it learns from you doing the same thing over and over again that you could do it with your eyes closed! We have all had this happen, your driving to work, you park your car and do not remember the drive to work! Do you want to go through life on automatic mind?

The bad habits can get you in a rut and make you feel like you have a false grip on life. A lot of people will protect their bad habits (e.g. foods, methods, theories) because they have been performing them so long. This is especially true when a friend / coach / trainer introduces something new to you, but you feel your old bad habit is being challenged. Now that person will actually fight for the bad habit and protect it, even though they know deep down inside the right answer.

Yes adopting new habits can be a challenge, but I invite you all to keep an open ear to new ways to improve your body and mind.

Have a look at some ideas I have done in the past to help me out of some bad habits, plus help me to change old boring habits....oh it's been a fun journey :-) That is the key!

■ Brush your teeth with the opposite hand. When I first tried this I was stumped! It was like my left arm did not work. A little more practice and bingo, new habit! I can actually tell you that I was more focused after doing this in the early morning!

■ Take a new driving route to work or bike/roller bladeSome people have boring jobs...sorry it is true....I love mine! Anyways to change things up, get some spice and focus into your morning drive by taking a new route and get out of using your automatic mind. This is how I found my favorite coffee shop back home. Plus every Tuesday and Thursday dust off the bike and roller blades.....now you will want to focus!

■ Make a new morning breakfast.
So many of us eat the same thing every day....boring. SO try making Wednesday and Friday different breakfast days. This helped me find a couple meals that helped start my day with more energy for my morning workouts and clients. Getting in tune to what your body uses for fuel well is an extremely smart habit to create :-)

■ TV surfing. Instead of surfing the channels for hours, catch yourself doing this, shut off the friggen TV and take the family & dog for a walk; they are surfing the channels with you! You will soon make this time a healthy family bonding habit.

■ Performing Cardio always on a treadmill, stepper or elliptical.
Get out of the gym and hit some great trails around your home town. Start to appreciate mother earth and enjoy your cardio. Every town I have done my cardio outside in has had a hidden running gem.

■ Go to sleep in new pajamas or sleep in the buff...yeah I said it.
Mix it up a little when you're going to sleep.....you never know what will happen;-)

■ Park your car a few blocks from work.Doing this will allow you to get some fresh air before work, take in some beautiful new scenery, and turn your mind around if you have had a hectic morning.....plus exercise.

■ Write a note to your special someone.
You did this when you first dated, why not ignite the spark with a little love note to make that persons day. It will make you feel better as well!

■ Go to the movies.
Instead of the same routine at home, find out when cheep night is and hit the theaters. Pack some snacks and sneak them into the movie! Maybe even hold hands or sneak a kiss!

■ Complament someone....anyone.
Try giving someone you know a complement. Then try to give a total stranger a complement. You will make that persons day, plus feel better yourself. I love doing this!

■ Spice up your workout.....get a trainer and a new program.
Going to the gym for most people can get very boring. SO hire a trainer that has the knowledge to create you something tailored to your needs and goals. This will spice up your workouts, get you motivated and leave the confusing planning stuff up to your coach.......YES I WOULD LOVE TO DO THIS FOR YOU :-)
Have fun creating some new habits.